Indonesia has placed the development of artificial intelligence talent at the centre of its digital transformation strategy, with senior officials arguing that the nation's competitiveness in the AI era will depend on how many people can understand, develop and deploy the technology. Speaking at the Garuda AI Impact Summit 2026, Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Nezar Patria said the agenda for nurturing national AI talent would remain a government priority in pursuit of the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision. The emphasis on human capital reflects a recognition that technological adoption alone is insufficient without a skilled workforce capable of leveraging AI to address domestic challenges.

While Indonesia is still in the early stages of AI adoption, officials are looking to China as a model for moving beyond abstract discussions toward concrete applications. At the fourth Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo, held in northern China in early June 2026, the focus was on using AI to solve real-world problems in the maritime sector. The expo demonstrated how AI is being integrated into shipping logistics, port management and supply chain optimisation, offering a template for how developing economies can deploy the technology to address specific industrial needs rather than treating it as a standalone innovation.

At the same time, Indonesian authorities are urging the private sector to ensure that AI solutions are not only innovative but also secure. Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid, speaking at the BRAVO 500 Summit 2026 organised by XLSmart in Jakarta, stressed that the success of AI depends on the ability to manage data safely, ethically and responsibly. She noted that while Indonesian society has been relatively quick to embrace AI, concerns about its negative impacts remain a frequent topic of discussion. The minister's remarks underscore a broader tension between accelerating AI deployment and safeguarding against risks such as data misuse and algorithmic bias.

Viewed from Jakarta, the dual imperative of building talent and ensuring security reflects a pragmatic approach to AI governance. By prioritising education and ethical standards, Indonesia hopes to avoid the pitfalls of rapid technological adoption while still reaping the economic benefits. The government's strategy, however, will require sustained investment in training programmes and regulatory frameworks, as well as closer collaboration with countries like China that have already demonstrated how AI can be harnessed for practical ends. The coming years will test whether Indonesia can translate its ambitions into a skilled workforce and a secure digital ecosystem.