Indonesia Takes a Strategic Position in the Global AI Supply Chain

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Vice Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria stated that global changes in the semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) industries open up opportunities for Indonesia to establish a stronger position in that ecosystem.

Indonesia is considered to have a great opportunity to take a strategic role in the global artificial intelligence supply chain, along with its strengths in mineral resources, energy, and demographic bonus.

According to him, semiconductors have now become a key element in various strategic sectors, ranging from artificial intelligence to defense systems.

"This semiconductor is no longer just an electronic component; it has become a kind of sovereignty infrastructure today." And it is the fuel for every trained AI model, every data center built, and every defense system operated. We can say that now semiconductors are the new oil," he said the discussion "Strategic Opportunities for Indonesia in the Global AI Supply Chain" in Central Jakarta, Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Nezar believes that Indonesia has strong capital to enter that supply chain, especially in terms of natural resources. Additionally, Indonesia also has large reserves of silica sand, which is the basic material for silicon, a key component in the semiconductor industry.

"We are the largest tin producers in the world. And tin is a key material in the chip manufacturing process," he stated.

To harness that potential, the Ministry of Communication and Digital has developed the AI Talent Factory program, which involves various universities.

"We try to gather the best talent from universities, then we provide basic to advanced programs on how to deliver AI solutions," he added that AI development should be directed to support high-risk priority sectors, so that technology becomes a tool that enhances safety and work efficiency.

"In my opinion, we shouldn't be afraid that it will replace humans, but rather how it can become a companion in the work we do," he conveyed.

With a combination of resources, talent, and the right strategy, Indonesia is considered to have the opportunity to transform from a market into a player in the global AI supply chain.