Indonesia accelerates push in global artificial intelligence race

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia has officially become one of the 29 founding members of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), an intergovernmental organisation initiated by China, in a move aimed at accelerating the country's AI development while helping shape global AI governance principles. The country’s national news agency Antara quoted Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto as saying on July 17 that joining the intergovernmental organisation will help Indonesia keep pace with rapid advances in AI while enabling the country to contribute to international AI governance. "The benefit of joining WAICO is to ensure Indonesia does not fall behind in AI development," he said at a press conference in Shanghai after attending the organisation's founding ceremony and the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026. Hartarto said Indonesia joined WAICO under President Prabowo Subianto's directive for the country to play an active role in international AI governance. "Indonesia is deeply committed to AI development that is inclusive, safe, ethical, not monopolised by any single power, and beneficial to the country," he said. He said WAICO was established within the framework of the United Nations and will help Indonesia align its AI development with global technological progress while supporting the growth of the country's digital economy. Hartarto said registration for countries seeking to become founding members of WAICO remains open until July 30./.