Indonesia has become one of the 29 founding countries of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, or WAICO. The move gives the country an opportunity to take a more active role in discussions on the direction of global artificial intelligence governance.
WAICO is intended to bring countries together on AI innovation while promoting development that is open, inclusive, responsible, and beneficial across nations. Indonesia’s founding role also opens prospects for wider cooperation in technology, investment, research, and AI ecosystem development.
The organization was established as an independent, non-profit intergovernmental body within the United Nations framework. Its creation received United Nations support, with Secretary-General António Guterres attending the signing ceremony.
Indonesia signed the WAICO founding agreement in Shanghai, China, on July 16, 2026. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto led the Indonesian delegation, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Angga Raka Prabowo.
Indonesia’s first WAICO agenda
The Indonesian delegation was scheduled to attend an informal preparatory session on the establishment of WAICO on July 17, 2026. Angga Raka Prabowo chaired the Indonesian delegation at the meeting, which served as an early forum to discuss the organization’s operational steps and cross-country cooperation opportunities.
| Date | Activity | Indonesia’s Role |
|---|---|---|
| July 16, 2026 | WAICO founding agreement signed in Shanghai | Joined as a founding country |
| July 17, 2026 | Informal preparatory session | Delegation chaired by Angga Raka Prabowo |
WAICO is expected to support capacity building for human resources in AI. It is also designed to expand access to AI technology and strengthen coordination of national AI development strategies among participating countries.
Another central task for the organization is encouraging international discussions on AI governance and ethics. That mandate is significant for countries seeking to develop AI policies while remaining aligned with broader international practices.
National governance and digital growth
Angga said Indonesia’s participation is a strategic moment to strengthen national AI Governance in line with international best practices. He also said the involvement creates room for cross-border collaboration in building an inclusive and responsible AI ecosystem.
The government views WAICO as a strategic instrument for accelerating Indonesia’s national digital transformation. The organization is expected to support the growth of the digital economy, which Indonesia has identified as a potential new source of economic growth.
That expectation is tied to efforts to increase investment and develop technology-based sectors with high added value. Participation in WAICO may therefore connect international AI cooperation with domestic ambitions for a stronger digital economy.
Founding countries
Indonesia is joined by China, Brazil, Russia, Malaysia, South Africa, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Serbia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Venezuela, and Zambia among the founding countries. The group also includes several other developing nations, bringing the number of founders to 29.
Indonesia’s membership in WAICO places it within an early international forum focused on AI cooperation. The country can use that position to engage in discussions on technology access, capacity development, investment, research, and global rules for artificial intelligence.