Indonesia targets AI development gaps through strategy focused on skills, funding, infrastructure
Indonesia is moving to narrow its AI capabilities gap by investing in knowledge, funding, and infrastructure aligned with domestic strengths, Deputy Minister Stella Christie said this week.
AI research and patent production remain concentrated in developed countries, Christie said during a policy discussion. She framed understanding these disparities as essential to building competitive national capabilities.
The strategy prioritises sectors where Indonesia has existing advantages. Christie cited seaweed research as an example of where targeted AI investment could strengthen local capabilities while addressing national needs.
Data and infrastructure as foundation
Data management and local capacity form the backbone of effective AI systems, Christie said. Secure and effective data handling could unlock development opportunities if managed properly.
Infrastructure expansion-particularly data centres-requires stable, sustainable energy supplies. This constraint shapes where and how Indonesia can build AI capabilities.
Success depends on coordinated action across education, investment, and infrastructure development, Christie said. Siloed efforts in any one area will limit progress.
For IT and development professionals working on infrastructure projects, understanding these priorities matters for project planning and resource allocation. AI for IT & Development resources can help teams assess how these gaps apply to their own work.
Your membership also unlocks:
