RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria, underscored data sovereignty at the Indonesia–Finland Roundtable on Data Sovereignty and Cyber Resilience. The forum was held in South Jakarta on Monday, March 2, 2026. He said Indonesians’ digital data now forms a vital foundation for global artificial intelligence development.

Nezar stated that data is no longer merely personal information. It has become the primary raw material for artificial intelligence systems. Digital activities, from location records to social media posts, are processed into high-value business and AI models.

“Global platforms such as Google, Meta, and TikTok collect and process data on a massive scale. The data is then utilized for the development of big data and artificial intelligence-based technologies,” he said.

He warned the issue goes beyond personal data protection. Public content, including journalistic works and academic writings, may also train AI systems. Without fair mechanisms, creators risk losing economic value and intellectual rights.

Nezar cited The New York Times restricting content access over AI training use. The dispute showed that writing styles and news content carry economic value. It also highlighted intellectual property concerns in the digital era.

“If not regulated, works of Indonesian journalists, academics, and creators could become training materials for global AI without clear agreements. The added value would be enjoyed by others,” he stressed.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital is reviewing national regulatory frameworks. The goal is to address emerging technological challenges, including artificial intelligence. The government is also studying European Union data governance practices prioritizing citizens’ rights.

Beyond data sovereignty, Nezar emphasized the urgency of cyber resilience. The government is preparing specific regulations to protect national digital architecture. He said cyber threats continue to evolve rapidly.

“Countries that can manage and control data will have stronger bargaining positions in the global digital economy. We must not only become a market. We must ensure citizens’ data provides real benefits for the nation,” he said.

The Indonesia–Finland forum serves as a platform for exchanging best practices. It supports stronger data sovereignty and cyber resilience efforts. Indonesia aims to place public interest at the center of national digital governance.