Indonesia Enhances AI Cooperation and Child Safety Online with United States

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta — The Indonesia's government is opening wider space for technology cooperation with the United States, covering artificial intelligence (AI) development as well as child protection in the digital space. Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid, stressed that this openness must still operate within the framework of national interest and provide protection for the public.

She made the statement during a meeting with US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Joy Sakurai at the Komdigi Ministry office. "Technology must benefit the public. That is why cooperation and its implementation must remain within the framework of national interest, including ensuring the public has a safe digital space," Meutya said during the meeting in Central Jakarta on Tuesday September 9, 2026.

During the meeting, Indonesia and the United States discussed a number of strategic digital agendas, including AI development and child online protection policy. Both issues are considered priorities given the high rate of digital technology adoption in Indonesia, particularly among younger generations.

She said the government is preparing a governance framework to regulate AI development and use based on risk level. The framework is designed to allow innovation to keep growing while giving the public certainty about the safety and use of the technology.

The government is preparing a Responsible AI classification ranging from unacceptable risk, high risk, to low risk, with implementation to be tailored to the characteristics of each sector through sector-specific regulation. "The AI roadmap is designed to match the very high level of AI adoption in Indonesia, especially among the younger generation. We are introducing risk-based regulation not to stifle innovation, but to build public safety and trust in the technology," Meutya asserted.

Beyond AI, the government is also strengthening child online protection policy through a risk- and age-based approach, rather than a total block on children's access to digital spaces. Ownership of independent accounts is restricted based on platform risk level age 16 and above for high-risk platforms, and age 13 for lower-risk platforms. "We are encouraging major tech companies to redesign their products to be child-friendly, limit screen time, and close off chat access with strangers without parental consent," Meutya added.

In response, the United States welcomed Indonesia's digital governance steps and offered cooperation through the AI Export Center in San Francisco, expert support, and AI implementation assistance for government agencies. For the government, openness to global technology does not mean sacrificing digital sovereignty, as Indonesia retains control over regulation, technology implementation, protection of strategic infrastructure, and the interests of the public as the main beneficiary of digital transformation.