Indonesia is directing AI policy toward practical gains in health care, education, financial services, and public administration. The move reflects a concern that broad AI adoption has not yet translated into equally deep use across the economy and public services.
One visible example is the use of AI for tuberculosis screening and early diagnosis. The application could support health workers, particularly in remote areas where specialist doctors remain limited.
Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria said AI adoption alone is insufficient to drive transformation. He stressed the need for deeper capabilities in applying the technology across priority sectors.
Indonesia is among the world’s five largest users of ChatGPT for coding, data analytics, and education. Nearly half of the country’s workforce is also reported to use AI each week.
Despite those figures, many individuals and businesses still rely on AI for basic operational needs. Only a smaller share has used it to make more fundamental changes to business models.
Priority areas for deeper AI use
The government has identified four areas where AI could show clearer benefits for the public. Each area combines a specific deployment focus with an intended improvement in services or access.
| Sector | AI Focus | Expected Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Structured use that considers safety and students’ ages | Better learning while preserving critical thinking |
| Health care | Tuberculosis screening and early diagnosis | Stronger care where specialists are scarce |
| Financial services | Expanding use from large firms to microfinance institutions | Broader access to digital transformation benefits |
| Public sector | Supporting bureaucracy and civil servants | Greater efficiency and better public services |
In education, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs wants AI use to move beyond isolated individual experiments. Its deployment is expected to be structured, safe, and appropriate for students at different ages.
The ministry also seeks to ensure that technology does not weaken young people’s ability to think critically. AI is intended to support learning rather than replace reasoning.
Financial services are another target, with the government seeking to extend AI adoption beyond major corporations. Microfinance institutions are included so the gains from digital transformation can reach a broader part of society.
AI is also expected to assist bureaucratic work and civil servants in the public sector. The stated aim is to improve work efficiency while raising the quality of public services.
Digital readiness remains a challenge
Nezar highlighted the challenge faced by millions of micro, small, and medium enterprises that are not yet fully integrated into the digital ecosystem. He said a strong AI foundation cannot be built when basic digital foundations are still incomplete.
According to information from the ministry reported by CNN Indonesia, the government is processing a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, a National AI Road Map, and National AI Ethics into a Presidential Regulation. The planned framework uses a risk-based approach to keep AI development safe and directed.
The policy direction places AI as a tool that complements human capabilities rather than replaces them. AI literacy is therefore expected to grow alongside stronger reasoning skills, allowing people to use the technology wisely.
The four-sector approach is intended as an early effort to narrow the capability gap, not merely increase the number of AI users. The government expects AI to become a productive tool for individuals, businesses, and public services.