Luhut invites Tsinghua University to conduct AI research in Bali

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of Indonesia's National Economic Council, has invited China's Tsinghua University to collaborate on artificial intelligence (AI) research at the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Speaking at the China-Southeast Asia Forum on Higher Education and Industry Cooperation 2026, Luhut expressed a desire for this partnership to begin as early as this year.

The initiative aims to strengthen an existing AI research center in Bali by integrating Tsinghua's technological expertise and research talent. This collaboration is viewed as a critical component of Indonesia's transition toward a Government Technology (GovTech) model. According to Luhut, President Prabowo Subianto has directed the advancement of GovTech to enhance the efficiency and transparency of public services and to mitigate corruption risks.

Luhut emphasized that bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and China should evolve beyond simple industrial investment and technology transfer. He advocated for a shift toward innovation-driven partnerships, stating, “We want more than equipment. We want researchers, science, and an ecosystem for innovation.” The proposed cooperation includes joint efforts in laboratory development, research funding, and scientific publications to transform Bali into a regional hub for technology and talent development.