Indonesia Seeks Chinese Support For Remote Digital Development, AI Transformation

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, May 28 (Bernama) -- Indonesia’s Communication and Information Technology Minister, Budi Arie Setiadi, is seeking China’s support for digital development in remote Indonesian regions.

This matter was discussed during a bilateral session with China’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Shan Zhongde, at the Geneva International Convention Centre in Switzerland.

Budi Arie’s visit to Geneva precedes an upcoming trip to Shanghai, where he aims to bolster digital cooperation with China in June.

During the meeting, he emphasised Indonesia’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and investing in human resources for national progress.

"Indonesia is prioritising the digital economy and ethical AI utilisation to evade the middle-income trap," he stated in a statement Tuesday.

On Monday, the ministry and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) launched a new initiative to assess Indonesia’s readiness in adopting and developing AI.

The evaluation uses the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), a tool developed by UNESCO that aligns with global ethical standards.

Meanwhile, Zhongde affirmed China’s intention to assist Indonesia in its digital transformation, particularly in the telecommunications sector, including 5G or the fifth-generation technology standard for cellular networks, 6G, and AI.

He also expressed hope that Indonesia would participate in an upcoming international forum on digital industry and AI in China in September, highlighting the importance of collaboration for societal advancement.

-- BERNAMA