Indonesia is seeking a larger role in global artificial intelligence governance through the proposed World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, or WAICO. Its central objective is to help ensure that developing countries gain fairer access to AI innovation and technology transfer.
The initiative reflects Indonesia’s effort to move beyond being solely a market for AI products and services. The government wants to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable global AI ecosystem while strengthening domestic digital competitiveness.
A National Framework Is Taking Shape
At home, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is finalising the Indonesian Artificial Intelligence Roadmap Regulation for 2026–2029, along with AI Ethics provisions. The framework is intended to guide AI use based on human values, transparency, accountability, personal data protection, digital security, and responsible innovation.
The domestic policy effort is being developed alongside Indonesia’s participation in the formation of WAICO. Together, the two tracks are intended to give Indonesia a stronger basis for using AI nationally while engaging in international rule-making.
Indonesia has stressed that global cooperation should not merely produce broad norms without practical results. It wants AI governance to deliver measurable benefits through technology use, research collaboration, capacity building, and improved access to innovation.
Indonesia’s Proposed Cooperation Agenda
Indonesia presented three concrete areas of cooperation at the Informal Preparatory Session on the Establishment of WAICO on 17 July 2026. The meeting involved delegations from 26 countries, with Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Angga Raka Prabowo representing Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.
| Proposed Area | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|
| Joint AI research and technology transfer | Broaden access to AI innovation |
| Smart city collaboration | Expand technology implementation in urban areas |
| Digital talent development | Strengthen human resource capacity |
Joint research and technology transfer were presented as ways to help developing countries participate more fully in AI innovation. Indonesia also proposed smart city collaboration as a practical area for deploying technology in urban development.
Digital talent development forms the third element of the agenda. The focus is on accelerating human resource capacity so that countries can build the skills needed to adopt and develop AI.
Practical Benefits and Risk-Based Governance
Indonesia has argued that AI cooperation should address needs that are visible to the public. Angga said the cooperation should support small and medium-sized enterprises, preserve local languages, and respond to the needs of developing countries.
The country also supports responsible AI innovation through a risk-based approach. This approach should be adapted to the characteristics and needs of each country rather than applied in an identical way everywhere.
According to Angga, “In Indonesia’s view, WAICO is not merely a consultative forum, but an integral part of global AI governance and fair technology transfer.” The statement was reported by Suara.com.
Addressing the Digital Divide
Indonesia has identified the digital divide as a continuing obstacle to more equal access to AI technology. It says the gap should be narrowed through technology transfer, more inclusive funding, stronger data governance, and human resource development.
The government also wants WAICO to work in alignment with the multilateral system of the United Nations. This is intended to avoid overlapping policies and fragmentation in global AI governance.
Indonesia’s active role in WAICO could create wider opportunities as investment in AI, cloud computing, and large language models continues to grow. The government expects global cooperation to help accelerate national innovation and reinforce the competitiveness of Indonesia’s digital industry.
By linking national policy preparation with international collaboration, Indonesia is positioning AI as both a governance issue and an economic opportunity. The stated goal is a global platform that expands cooperation while producing tangible benefits for communities.
