RRI.CO.ID, Shanghai – The Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to playing an active role in the development and governance of global artificial intelligence (AI). Minister Airlangga made this statement at the High-Level Meeting of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) Founding States in Shanghai, China, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

The event brought together ministers and delegations from the founding member states of WAICO. Indonesia is one of the 29 founding members of WAICO, which represents various regions. These include five ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, and Indonesia), all members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), several BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa), as well as countries in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Eastern Europe.

In his speech, Coordinating Minister Airlangga highlighted that AI has become an integral part of the global technological transformation. This transformation is reshaping economic structures, redefining global competitiveness, and influencing how countries build technological sovereignty. In this landscape, Indonesia does not want to merely be a market or a consumer of technology. Instead, the country is committed to becoming an active player that shapes the future of the global digital economy and AI ecosystem.

“Indonesia does not want to merely be a spectator or consumer in this race for artificial intelligence. We are active architects at the forefront of the digital era,” he said, according to a written press release from the ministry.

He also noted that Indonesia has taken strategic steps since the beginning of President Prabowo’s administration. This includes a partnership in the fields of semiconductors and AI with ARM Holdings in February 2026. Through this collaboration, Indonesia is strengthening the role of AI and semiconductors as key drivers of global digitalization.

Coordinating Minister Airlangga added that Indonesia has great potential to become a regional hub for AI growth and digital infrastructure. By 2026, the number of internet users in Indonesia is projected to reach approximately 235 million people, which is equivalent to a penetration rate of about 81%.

Concluding his remarks, Coordinating Minister Airlangga affirmed Indonesia’s readiness to support WAICO’s long-term success by maximizing market strengths, strategic resources, and policy innovations. “Together, let’s translate this commitment to technology into tangible results that promote shared prosperity and boost economic growth for all nations,” he said.