Indonesia, UK team up to develop AI roadmap

Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) is working with the UK to create its national AI roadmap.

This partnership includes the development of the “AI Policy Dialogue Country Report,” a joint initiative by both governments.

According to Deputy Minister Nezar Patria, the report will provide essential input for Komdigi in formulating AI policies that reflect national interests.

The development of the report has included discussions with various stakeholders, such as industry representatives, government agencies, universities, and civil society organizations.

The collaboration focuses on key areas like governance, digital infrastructure, talent development, and AI research.

Samuel Hayes, Head of Economics and Digital at the British Embassy, mentioned that this initiative follows a bilateral memorandum of understanding on digital cooperation signed previously.

He added that the report aims to provide international perspectives to aid Indonesia in finalizing its AI roadmap.

The roadmap, which is expected to be completed soon, seeks to balance the promotion of innovation with the mitigation of risks associated with AI, according to Komdigi.

🔗 Source: Kompas.com

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ High AI adoption doesn’t automatically translate to regulatory clarity

Indonesia’s collaboration with the UK highlights an interesting paradox in the country’s AI development journey.

Despite leading Southeast Asia with 65% of Indonesian companies having implemented AI and a 24.6% adoption rate that surpasses Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia 1, the government still needs international partnerships to develop its regulatory framework.

This suggests that technical implementation and policy governance require different types of expertise and approaches.

The country launched its National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in 2020, aiming to add $366 billion to its GDP through AI by 2030 2. However, the ongoing development of its AI roadmap through international dialogue indicates that having a strategy doesn’t necessarily provide the detailed regulatory guidance needed for complex AI governance.