Indonesia intensifies ASEAN collaboration to accelerate AI adoption

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is stepping up its regional leadership by intensifying cross-border collaboration to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across Southeast Asia.

Speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the ASEAN Foundation in Jakarta on Thursday, Indonesian Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria announced a major expansion of the AI Ready ASEAN initiative.

The newly signed pact targets the training of an additional 250,000 digital talents in AI through online modules, in-person workshops and digital awareness campaigns.

"I believe the AI Ready ASEAN program is crucial, reflecting the need for strong cooperation among ASEAN countries to advance the adoption of AI technology in the region," Nezar said.

He further emphasized that neighboring nations face identical hurdles in scaling up AI research, development and workforce readiness.

The push to democratize AI skills comes at a time of massive economic high stakes.

He highlighted the ASEAN region’s digital economy which is projected to skyrocket to US$1 trillion by 2030.

Indonesia - Southeast Asia’s largest economy - is expected to drive more than a third of that growth, contributing an estimated US$366 billion.

To capture this value, Nezar argued that the bloc must view itself not just as a geopolitical alliance, but as a unified technological front.

"We see ASEAN as a unity, both in terms of cultural and political ties as neighboring countries. We also see it as a technological unity, meaning how fellow ASEAN countries can share experiences, technology and the capabilities they are developing,” he remarked.

The AI Ready ASEAN program, which is scheduled to run through 2028, focuses on preparing the Indonesian public and the wider region for a massive digital transformation.

The initiative already boasts a strong track record of scaling digital literacy since its inception in 2024, according to ASEAN Foundation Executive Director Piti Srisangnam.

In its two years of implementation, the program has reached 5.3 million beneficiaries equipped with AI skills - particularly on how to use this new technology in responsible and ethical manners.

Related news: Indonesia pushes for public protection in AI development

Related news: ASEAN digital pact could lift Indonesia's economy to $600B: Airlangga

Translator: Farhan Arda Nugraha, Yashinta Difa

Editor: Primayanti

Copyright © ANTARA 2026