By Matthew Brady Indonesia and India are expanding digital cooperation into artificial intelligence research, technology development and innovation, according to Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria.
Speaking in Jakarta on Saturday, Nezar said the two countries could advance collaboration through joint research, talent development, digital infrastructure and public-benefit technologies. He described the countries as complementary rather than competing in AI, framing India’s experience in digital public infrastructure alongside Indonesia’s population size and resource base.
The comments followed an event on Indonesia’s AI roadmap held on 31 July. Nezar said the roadmap regulation provides a foundation for turning bilateral cooperation into concrete projects.
He added that Indonesia does not want to remain solely a consumer of global AI technologies, and that the government is working to strengthen software, computing capacity, data centres and digital talent. He pointed to nickel and critical mineral reserves, a young population and Indonesia’s location in the Indo-Pacific as advantages for building a domestic AI ecosystem.
Momentum for closer ties between the two countries followed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent state visit to Indonesia, which produced 16 new agreements. The two sides are also working on digital payment integration and development of the Indonesia Open Network as a basis for further AI collaboration.
Nezar called for expanded researcher exchanges, startup development support and greater R&D investment by Indian technology firms in Indonesia, saying the ministry aims to ensure the partnership benefits citizens of both countries while supporting Indonesia’s 2045 Golden Indonesia vision.
