Artificial intelligence (AI) development depends on more than advanced technology. Reliable digital connectivity, computing capacity, access to essential resources, and skilled workers must all be in place for AI to support economic growth and improve public welfare. These are the four key areas that Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) says Indonesia needs to strengthen.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Digital Infrastructure Summit 2026 in Central Jakarta on Monday, October 12, 2026, Agus explained that these priorities are closely connected. Progress in one area will not be enough if the others are left behind.
The first priority is connectivity. Digital networks rely on physical infrastructure, including mobile networks and fiber-optic cables. However, building these networks is only part of the task. Reliable internet access also requires supporting transportation and logistics infrastructure to ensure that the necessary equipment and other resources can reach the places where they are needed.
“Ultimately, once we ensure that we want to provide strong broadband and reliable connectivity, physical infrastructure support is needed. How will the logistics work? What about transportation?” Agus said.
Beyond connectivity, Indonesia must prepare the resources needed to keep AI infrastructure running. Energy and water are particularly important. Data centers, for example, require substantial amounts of clean water, making it necessary to consider water availability and the supporting infrastructure when planning their development. Without adequate access to these essential resources, expanding digital infrastructure could become more difficult.
The second priority is computing capacity, particularly high-performance computing. AI systems depend on the ability to process large volumes of data and carry out complex operations. Developing the necessary computing infrastructure is therefore essential if Indonesia wants to support the growing use of AI across different sectors.
The third area is local context. AI development must take Indonesia’s specific needs and conditions into account rather than relying on technology that may not suit every region. The country has diverse regional characteristics, so AI systems and their applications need to be developed with those differences in mind.
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Human resource competencies form the fourth priority. According to Agus, Indonesia must improve the capabilities and competitiveness of its workforce so that people are prepared to participate in an economy increasingly shaped by AI. Technological development needs to go hand in hand with efforts to strengthen people’s skills and ability to adapt.
Agus stressed that these four priorities cannot be handled independently. Physical infrastructure, digital systems, computing resources, local needs, and workforce readiness all influence one another. Treating them as separate development agendas could make it harder for Indonesia to build an effective foundation for AI.
“All of these aspects are interconnected. We can no longer take a silo approach that separates physical development from digital infrastructure development,” Agus said.
Investment is another essential part of the process. Agus said Indonesia needs funding from both domestic and foreign investors to support AI development. Establishing the required infrastructure and technology involves substantial costs, making investment an important factor in expanding the country’s capacity.
Taken together, these priorities point to a broader challenge for Indonesia. Building an AI-ready economy requires more than introducing new digital tools. The country must also develop dependable connectivity, provide sufficient computing capacity and essential resources, account for local conditions, and prepare its workforce. Coordinating these efforts, alongside securing investment, will be crucial to ensuring that AI development can contribute to economic growth and public welfare.
