Jakarta, July 18, 2026 – The Europe Today: Indonesia has reinforced its role in global artificial intelligence (AI) governance by becoming one of the 29 founding members of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) after signing the founding declaration in Shanghai on July 16.
In a statement issued on Friday, Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Angga Raka Prabowo described Indonesia’s participation as a strategic milestone in aligning the country’s AI governance framework with international best practices while strengthening cross-border cooperation to develop an inclusive, innovative, and responsible AI ecosystem.
He said Indonesia’s founding membership in WAICO underscores the country’s growing role in shaping global AI governance and expanding international collaboration to promote the safe and responsible development of artificial intelligence.
WAICO is an independent, non-profit intergovernmental organization established within the framework of the United Nations (UN) to promote innovation in artificial intelligence and encourage the use of AI technologies for the benefit of people around the world.
The establishment ceremony was attended by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, reflecting strong international support for the initiative and its objectives of advancing global cooperation in AI governance.
According to the Deputy Minister, Indonesia’s participation in WAICO is expected to support the government’s broader strategy of positioning the digital economy as a key driver of national economic growth while accelerating digital transformation and investment in high value-added industries.
Angga accompanied Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, who led the Indonesian delegation at the signing ceremony and related events in Shanghai.
As part of the WAICO programme, the Deputy Minister was also scheduled to participate in an informal preparatory session on the organization’s establishment, along with a series of bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening international cooperation in artificial intelligence.
He was accompanied by Aju Widya Sari, Director of Artificial Intelligence and New Technology Ecosystem at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, as well as the Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Indonesia in Beijing.
Indonesia’s founding membership in WAICO reflects the country’s commitment to promoting responsible AI governance, fostering technological innovation, and contributing to international efforts to ensure that artificial intelligence supports sustainable and inclusive global development.
