Indonesia adopts AI roadmap for government programs, targeting 12% GDP boost

Indonesia is preparing a presidential regulation that would embed artificial intelligence across ministries and regional governments from 2026 to 2029. The draft, pending President Prabowo Subianto’s signature, outlines an AI roadmap that includes the country’s $15 billion free meals (MBG) scheme, where AI would design region‑specific menus, forecast food demand, monitor kitchen hygiene and flag spending irregularities.

The government estimates AI could raise Indonesia’s GDP by up to 12% – about $366 billion – by 2030 and save $10‑15 billion in social‑aid monitoring. Tech firms Meta, IBM and Microsoft helped draft the regulation; Microsoft is investing $1.7 billion in cloud and AI infrastructure in the country. A sovereign AI fund, managed by Danantara Indonesia, will support the effort, while a companion draft requires agencies to report AI‑related risks such as biometric misuse and deepfakes.