This was discussed during the two ministers' meeting in Jakarta on Monday, marking a key milestone in aligning the direction of AI research and innovation policy with national needs and strengthening Indonesia's data sovereignty.
"Universities are ready to become the main driver of the development of AI talents who not only excel in academics but also understand the context of national policies and industries," Minister Yuliarto said in a statement on Tuesday.
He underscored the importance of accelerating the integration between universities and industries to ensure that research results are impactful for the community.
"This collaboration is a momentum for universities and the government to turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the nation," he remarked.
The minister added that Indonesia needs to build research capacity that focuses on AI models that are entirely developed and operated using domestic talent, data, and infrastructure.
This is expected to reduce dependence on foreign-made platforms that can put national strategic data at risk.
Meanwhile, Minister Hafid emphasized that AI is a strategic instrument to maintain the nation's digital sovereignty.
"Data is an asset for the nation. We must not continue to become consumers of foreign technology. We must direct AI development to protect national interests and build systems that prioritize Indonesia," she said.
As part of efforts to develop national digital talents, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has initiated the AI Talent Factory, which involves academicians and practitioners from Oxford, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the Indonesian diaspora.
The program has been implemented in Brawijaya University of Malang, East Java, and will be expanded to various other universities in Indonesia.
In addition to human resources development, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs agreed to strengthen cooperation in applied research in strategic sectors like agriculture, defense, and digital economy.
The research is aimed at supporting public policies and industrial innovations, including the utilization of AI in cybersecurity, national satellite connectivity, and data center development.
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Translator: Sean Filo, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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