ASIATODAY.ID, SHANGHAI — Indonesia is stepping deeper into the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape after becoming one of the founding members of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), positioning Jakarta as an emerging player in shaping the future of AI governance and digital transformation.
The move marks a strategic shift in Indonesia’s technology ambitions — from being one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets to becoming an active contributor in developing global AI standards, innovation, and cooperation.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto conveyed Indonesia’s commitment during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 in Shanghai on Friday, July 17.
Airlangga said Indonesia is ready to work with international partners to build an open, inclusive, and responsible AI ecosystem that delivers benefits for societies around the world.
“Indonesia appreciates the initiative of the Chinese government in establishing WAICO and the trust given to Indonesia as one of the founding member states. Indonesia is ready to cooperate with WAICO in developing the global AI ecosystem,” Airlangga said.
Indonesia’s entry into WAICO reflects Jakarta’s broader strategy to secure a role in the emerging global AI economy, while accelerating technology transfer, investment, research collaboration, and digital talent development.
China Pushes AI Collaboration Beyond Borders
At WAIC 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for stronger international cooperation to ensure that AI development benefits all nations.
“AI development should not be a solo performance by one country, but a symphony of global collaboration,” Xi said.
Xi emphasized that AI should become a tool to improve human welfare and support shared economic progress. China also announced plans to expand AI capacity-building programs for millions of participants from different countries over the next five years.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the creation of WAICO, highlighting the importance of responsible and inclusive AI governance to support sustainable development.
The establishment of WAICO comes amid growing global competition over AI capabilities, data infrastructure, computing power, and technological leadership.
Indonesia Expands Technology Cooperation with China
Indonesia’s participation in WAICO is also opening new opportunities for deeper cooperation with China’s technology sector.
During his visit to Shanghai, Airlangga held meetings with technology giants Huawei and ByteDance to discuss cooperation in AI infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital talent development, and technology investment.
With Huawei, Indonesia explored cooperation in AI infrastructure investment, cloud computing, cybersecurity, digitalization of government services and MSMEs, as well as green energy solutions for data centers.
“After Indonesia officially became one of the founding members of WAICO, we want to ensure a significant leap in technology cooperation. Huawei’s capabilities in AI, telecommunications infrastructure, and cloud computing make it a strategic partner for Indonesia’s digital transformation,” Airlangga said.
Meanwhile, discussions with ByteDance focused on expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence innovation, including large language models (LLM), machine learning, and generative AI.
The Indonesian government also welcomed ByteDance’s continued investment through the digital commerce ecosystem involving TikTok Shop and Tokopedia, which has expanded opportunities for Indonesian MSMEs to reach wider markets.
Building Indonesia’s AI Future
Indonesia is among around 30 founding members of WAICO, joining countries from Southeast Asia, Eurasia, BRICS members, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Through its membership, Jakarta will have the opportunity to contribute to global discussions on AI policies, standards, and governance.
“AI is a game changer for the future. No single country can stand alone at the forefront. We must move forward together with other nations,” Airlangga said.
The Indonesian government is currently preparing a national AI roadmap to strengthen the country’s AI ecosystem and ensure that emerging technologies support economic growth and social development.
With its digital economy projected to reach around US$366 billion by 2030, Indonesia sees AI as a critical driver of future competitiveness, industrial transformation, and innovation.
The country is also advancing regional digital integration through the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) to strengthen Southeast Asia’s digital ecosystem.
Through WAICO membership and expanded partnerships with China and other global technology leaders, Indonesia aims to accelerate technology adoption, strengthen digital capabilities, and ensure that the AI revolution becomes a driver of shared prosperity. (AT Network)
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