Indonesia has sought China’s backing for a strategic position in the secretariat of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, or WAICO. The move signals Jakarta’s intention to help shape global AI governance rather than remain only a participant in the new organization.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto made the request during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Shanghai on Friday, July 18, 2026. The high-level bilateral meeting took place alongside the signing of the declaration establishing WAICO.
The pursuit of a secretariat role comes as Indonesia expands its technology agenda with China beyond physical infrastructure. Artificial intelligence, digital economy development, high-technology manufacturing, green investment, and supply-chain integration were all discussed in Shanghai.
Indonesia invited major Chinese companies to deepen investment in high-technology manufacturing and the country’s digital economy. The government also renewed its offer to develop industrial areas under the Two Countries Twin Parks, or TCTP, scheme.
Technology and Investment Agenda
Green investment cooperation was included in the discussions, covering a solar power project with a capacity of 100 gigawatts. Indonesia also offered development of a Battery Energy Storage System, or BESS, and an electric-vehicle battery ecosystem at Morowali Green Industrial Park.
Trade was another major subject of the bilateral meeting, with Airlangga highlighting the need to accelerate market access for Indonesian exports to China. China remains Indonesia’s largest trading partner, and the government sees substantial room to expand bilateral trade.
Indonesia also called for the resolution of trade barriers and stronger integration of bilateral supply chains. These economic discussions ran alongside the country’s effort to gain a larger institutional voice in WAICO.
| Agenda | Indonesia’s Position | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| WAICO establishment | Founding country | International AI cooperation |
| Organizational structure | Seeking a secretariat role | Global AI governance |
| Shanghai meeting | Seeking China’s support | Indonesia’s role in WAICO |
Voice for Developing Countries
Indonesia considers its founding-country status an important basis for seeking a greater role in shaping WAICO’s structure and policies. The organization is expected to become an international cooperation platform focused on artificial intelligence development.
Jakarta has stressed that AI governance should distribute development benefits more evenly among countries. It has also promoted a human-centered approach, respect for national sovereignty, and inclusive, coherent multilateralism.
In a statement issued by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs on Saturday, July 19, 2026, the government said those principles should align with the UN Principles. That framework formed a central part of Indonesia’s message when asking China to support its bid for a strategic secretariat position.
Wang Yi also conveyed a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping to President Prabowo Subianto during the meeting. Xi welcomed Indonesia’s decision to become a WAICO founding country and described Indonesia as important because of its large population and economy among developing nations.
Airlangga said Indonesia’s participation in establishing WAICO followed direct instructions from President Prabowo. Indonesia also expressed appreciation for Xi’s initiative in promoting the establishment of the international AI organization.
APEC Meeting Opportunity
Indonesia supports China’s chairmanship of APEC 2026, which is scheduled to be held in Shenzhen in November. The government proposed that the forum could provide an opportunity for Presidents Prabowo and Xi to meet again at a high-level business forum.
Indonesia expects such a forum to bring together government representatives and business leaders from both countries. Its broader position is that AI cooperation must respect data sovereignty and each country’s national interests.