RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) noted that global competition in artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted from application development to the mastery of supporting infrastructure.

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria, highlighted this shift during a workshop on Infrastructure Readiness, Regulation, and the Socio‑Economic Impact of AI in Indonesia.

Nezar explained that the competition now centers on control of data center energy, chips, computing, and talent. He stressed that Indonesia must strengthen its AI infrastructure to move beyond merely being a technology user and to participate in the global AI supply chain.

“We have been busy focusing on downstream, but we have overlooked upstream. Downstream is the final product, which may be more suitable for countries positioning themselves as markets. But upstream, in terms of AI infrastructure, is crucial,” Nezar said in an official statement in Jakarta on Friday, July 17, 2026.

He added that Indonesia has significant potential to join the global supply chain thanks to its abundant natural resources, which can support AI development. One key resource is silica sand, essential for semiconductor production.

“Indonesia has the potential to enter the global supply chain. There are about 340 million tons of silica sand reserves in the country,” Nezar emphasized. (Misni Parjiati)