JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesian Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi), Meutya Hafid, met with US Deputy Secretary of Commerce Marisa Lago and the US Ambassador to Indonesia Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir to discuss enhancing cooperation in digital technology.

The meeting focused on artificial intelligence (AI) development and smart city initiatives, particularly in Indonesia’s new capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN).

Minister Meutya emphasized that the discussions marked a strategic step in strengthening ties between Indonesia and the United States. A key part of the conversation was centered on the role of AI and smart city technologies in transforming Indonesia’s urban infrastructure, with the potential to attract significant investment into IKN.

As part of this collaboration, twelve US companies visited several Indonesian cities, including Jakarta, Denpasar, and IKN, to explore investment opportunities in smart city projects. These visits aim to introduce advanced technologies and innovations that could help build sustainable, future-proof cities in Indonesia.

In addition to smart city development, the meeting also underscored the importance of cybersecurity and the ethical development of AI. Meutya pointed out that the partnership with the US will ensure AI technology not only drives innovation but also brings broader socio-economic benefits to Indonesia, with applications in education, healthcare, transportation, and governance.

The collaborative efforts between Indonesia and the US will also focus on ensuring that AI technologies are inclusive and ethical, fostering both innovation and sustainable socio-economic progress. The two nations plan to undertake joint studies on AI development to ensure it meets the needs of all sectors while promoting responsible and fair usage.

Marisa Lago’s visit is part of the US Department of Commerce’s first trade mission focused on smart cities, which brings cutting-edge US technology and infrastructure companies to Indonesia. Lago highlighted the mission as a significant opportunity to deepen economic relations between the two countries through advanced technological partnerships.

With AI poised to play a key role in Indonesia’s future, the government is committed to leveraging these technologies to improve public services and urban living. The discussions reflect Indonesia’s broader ambition to become a leader in digital transformation in Southeast Asia, with the US as a strategic partner in these endeavors.

This meeting between Meutya Hafid, Marisa Lago, and Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s digital transformation journey, paving the way for deeper technological collaboration between the two nations, with a focus on smart city development and AI innovation. (Uki Ruknuddin)