Jakarta (ANTARA) - Two Indonesian ministries are collaborating to lay the foundation for the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) industry.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs and the Ministry of Industry are working together as part of the government’s mission to achieve an 8 percent economic growth target through accelerated digital transformation and the adoption of AI technology in the industrial sector.

"This is a strong collaboration between two ministries focused on building the infrastructure for Indonesia’s AI industry," said Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria in a statement issued on Friday.

During a discussion on AI industry development in Batam, Riau Islands, on Thursday, he emphasized the need to develop the AI sector from upstream to downstream.

"Semiconductors are essential to AI development. We must prioritize this," he said.

To that end, both ministries are joining forces to support the growth of the semiconductor industry in Batam.

As part of its goal to produce 12 million digital talents by 2030, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is also running digital skills development programs in collaboration with industry partners.

In the same statement, Deputy Minister of Industry Faisol Riza highlighted the need to create a comprehensive road map for AI development, in coordination with academics and industry players.

"This road map will serve as our guide moving forward," he said.

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