Indonesia Poised to Launch Dual Presidential AI Regulations: Roadmap & Ethics Framework
In a move that signals Indonesia’s intent to become a serious player in the global artificial intelligence (AI) arena, Jakarta is preparing two landmark Presidential Regulations (Perpres) to govern AI development, deployment, and governance across society and the economy. These regulatory instruments — centered on a National AI Roadmap and AI Ethics framework — aim to establish a clear, accountable, and forward‑looking legal foundation for AI use in the world’s fourth‑most populous nation. (Tech in Asia)
A Strategic Pivot Toward Responsible AI Governance
Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has been at the forefront of drafting these regulations, which are slated to be formalized in early 2026. The dual regulations reflect a balanced approach: one document will map out long‑term AI strategy across sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, and bureaucratic reform; the other will establish ethical guardrails to protect users and society from emerging risks such as bias, misinformation, and misuse. (aibp.sg)
Deputy Minister Nezar Patria and Minister Meutya Hafid have emphasized that these rules are intended to harmonize existing policies and create coherence across the legal framework — an urgent need given AI’s rapid adoption and the current patchwork of laws regulating data, tech platforms, and digital services. (Tech in Asia)
Why This Matters for Indonesia’s Digital Future
- Closing the Policy Gap: Unlike some peers in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has not yet had a unified, law‑level AI governance framework. These Perpres aim to bridge that gap and integrate AI considerations into Indonesia’s broader development agenda. (aibp.sg)
- Cross‑Sector Influence: The regulations will influence not just tech companies and startups, but also public services, digital education, cybersecurity, and national strategic planning. (Tech in Asia)
- Ethics at the Core: With a specific regulation on ethical use, Jakarta is signaling that AI must respect transparency, accountability, human rights, and fairness — key principles that cautious AI adopters globally are now prioritizing. (aibp.sg)
Challenges & Outlook
The harmonization of the draft regulations has involved consultations with multiple ministries, industry groups, civil society, and legal bodies to avoid overlaps with existing laws such as the Personal Data Protection Law and the Electronic Information and Transactions Law. (Weekly Aiving)
| While Indonesia currently regulates AI primarily through ministerial guidelines and circulars (such as the AI Ethics circular issued in 2023), the upcoming Perpres marks a transition toward enforceable governance architecture capable of keeping pace with innovation without stifling it. ([INP | Indonesian National Police]5) |
Experts note that clear AI governance can enhance investor confidence, support international collaborations, and position Indonesia as a competitive hub for AI talent and applications — particularly as governments globally wrestle with similar regulatory challenges. (legalbusinessonline.com)
Glossary: Key Terms
- Presidential Regulation (Perpres): A rule issued by Indonesia’s President that has the force of law and provides direction for government policy implementation.
- AI Roadmap: A strategic plan outlining long‑term AI priorities, goals, and sectoral applications across the national economy.
- AI Ethics Framework: Standards and principles designed to ensure AI is developed and used responsibly, protecting citizens’ rights, transparency, and fairness.
- Harmonization: The legal review process to align new regulations with existing laws and avoid conflicting provisions.
Source: https://www.techinasia.com/news/indonesia-prepares-two-presidential-regulations-on-ai (aibp.sg)
