Indonesia Prioritizes AI Regulation in 2026
The Indonesian government has placed a strong emphasis on regulating artificial intelligence (AI) this year, as stated by the Minister of Communication and Digital Application, Meutya V. Hafid. This initiative is a key priority for President Prabowo Subianto in 2026.
Regulatory Frameworks in Development
Two major regulatory frameworks are currently being prepared:
- Presidential Regulation (Perpres) on the National AI Roadmap
- Guidelines on AI safety and ethics
During a hearing with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) on January 26, 2026, Hafid emphasized the urgency for these regulations to be enacted. The drafting process commenced in 2025, and the Minister expressed optimism that the regulations would be signed into law this year.
Implementation of AI Governance
Once the presidential regulation is signed, each ministry and government agency will be required to issue derivative regulations tailored to govern AI use within their respective sectors. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Application will serve as the orchestrator of AI governance, delegating technical arrangements to individual ministries.
“We will leave the technical arrangements to each ministry and agency, as they better understand how artificial intelligence should be regulated within their own sectors,” Hafid remarked.
Immediate Actions Post-Regulation
Upon enacting the presidential decree, the Ministry has already outlined plans for immediate derivative regulations. One key regulation will mandate the labeling of AI-generated content on digital platforms. This step aims to ensure transparency regarding the origins of content produced by AI systems.
Regional and Global Context
This regulatory movement aligns Indonesia with international efforts, notably South Korea’s recent introduction of its Basic AI Act on January 22, 2026. Unlike the gradual implementation of the European Union’s AI Act, which will unfold until 2027, South Korea’s law is set to take effect sooner. Companies failing to label AI-generated content under this framework may face fines up to 30 million won (approximately Rp347 million).
South Korea’s legislation also imposes specific requirements on generative AI, which refers to AI systems capable of producing new content, including text, images, and videos.
Conclusion
As Indonesia positions itself to regulate AI, the government’s focus on developing comprehensive guidelines highlights the importance of adapting to technological advancements while ensuring safety and ethical standards. The actions taken in 2026 could set a precedent for responsible AI governance in the region.
