AI governance and media credibility in ASEAN

At the 10th ASEAN Media Forum in Manila on 30 July 2026, media leaders stressed that AI can accelerate data collection, translation and content production, but editorial decisions must stay human‑led to safeguard credibility. The discussion cited examples such as Good News from Indonesia’s AI‑enhanced newsroom and warned about AI‑generated “hallucinations” that could spread false information. The forum referenced ASEAN’s Information and Media Work Programme (2026‑2035), which prioritises responsible AI adoption, fact‑checking, capacity‑building for journalists and public media literacy.

A week later, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria, warned that increasingly complex AI‑driven algorithms are amplifying misinformation online and announced a draft Presidential Regulation outlining a National AI Roadmap and AI Ethics framework focused on human‑centred, risk‑based governance.

In parallel, Indonesia’s broader AI landscape saw rapid expansion: researchers used generative AI to design synthetic bacteriophages for super‑bug treatment; OpenAI placed tighter security controls on its Astra model; financial‑sector leaders highlighted AI‑enabled fraud and deep‑fake threats, launching talent programmes and new AI curricula. The government reiterated the need for public verification of digital information, linking these sectoral developments to the same national effort to govern AI use and protect information integrity across ASEAN.