Nezar Patria: Why Indonesia’s AI Regulations Must Move Beyond Reactive Policy

The rapid ascent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has left many governments around the world scrambling to keep up. However, Indonesia is taking a more measured and strategic stance. Nezar Patria, the Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital (Wamenkomdigi), recently emphasized that regulating AI technology cannot be done through a reactive lens. Because the technology evolves at such a breakneck pace, being "lazy" or simply reacting to the latest trend could result in outdated or stifling governance.

During a press statement in Jakarta, Nezar highlighted that AI is currently in a state of constant flux, still seeking its definitive form as it is adopted across critical sectors like healthcare, education, transportation, and financial services. By the time a rigid regulation is written for a specific tool, the technology has often already moved on to its next iteration.

From Chatbots to Physical AI

To understand the need for flexible regulation, one must look at how quickly the landscape has shifted. Nezar pointed out that while the public's first major encounter with AI might have been through simple chatbots, the technology has already matured into something much more complex. We are now seeing the rise of "agentic AI"—systems capable of performing tasks autonomously—and "physical AI," where intelligence is integrated directly into robotics.

With such sophisticated developments, Nezar argues that regulation must be guided by a clear policy direction rather than temporary fixes. If the government only reacts to yesterday's technology, it risks failing to address the challenges of tomorrow.

The Horizontal Regulatory Approach

Rather than creating hyper-specific rules for every new gadget, the Indonesian government is adopting what Nezar calls a "horizontal approach." This strategy focuses on establishing core principles and ethical norms first. Once these foundational standards are set, they can then be applied and adapted across various sectors.

This method ensures that the legal framework remains relevant even as the underlying technology changes. It provides a safety net that covers the broader implications of digital technology, which, as Nezar noted, can be a double-edged sword. While the benefits are immense, the risks are equally significant, ranging from digital crimes and online fraud to cyberbullying and the spread of disinformation or hoaxes.

Mapping the Future and Protecting Data

Currently, the Ministry is focusing its energy on two main pillars: a national AI development roadmap and ethical guidelines. The roadmap is intended to provide a clear trajectory for innovation in the country, while the ethical guidelines ensure that developers and users operate within a framework that respects human values.

Central to this entire ecosystem is data. Nezar was quick to remind us that "AI machines live on data." Without vast amounts of information, these systems cannot function or improve. This is why Law Number 27 of 2022 concerning the Protection of Personal Data (PDP) is so critical. It serves as the legal backbone for digital governance in Indonesia, ensuring that as AI evolves, the privacy and rights of Indonesian citizens remain protected.

By combining ethical frameworks with robust data protection laws, the government aims to foster an environment where AI can thrive safely. It is a proactive, rather than reactive, journey toward a digital future that benefits everyone.