Indonesia’s bid to catch up with China in AI and robotics is less about technical capability and more about a geopolitical chess move. Let me explain why this matters. When Airlangga Hartarto strolled through Shanghai’s World Artificial Intelligence Conference, he wasn’t just admiring robots—he was signaling a shift in Indonesia’s economic strategy. The real question isn’t whether Indonesia can keep pace with China’s AI advancements, but why it feels the need to do so at all. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about power dynamics, dependency, and the illusion of progress.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the framing of China as a benchmark. China’s AI sector is a marvel of state-driven innovation, but it’s also a tightly controlled ecosystem. Indonesia, by contrast, is a sprawling archipelago with fragmented infrastructure and a population that’s only beginning to digitize. Yet here we are, with officials declaring a race to catch up. Personally, I think this reflects a deeper anxiety: the fear of being left behind in a world where tech dominance equates to geopolitical clout.
Let’s break this down. Airlangga’s visit to Unitree Robotics wasn’t just a diplomatic gesture—it was a calculated move to align Indonesia with China’s technological trajectory. But what does that mean for Indonesia’s autonomy? By joining WAICO, Indonesia is essentially outsourcing its AI roadmap to a system that prioritizes surveillance, data control, and industrial efficiency. What many people don’t realize is that this partnership could lock Indonesia into a dependency loop, where its tech policies are dictated by Beijing’s interests rather than its own.
The mention of renewable energy in the same breath as AI is telling. It suggests a desire to rebrand Indonesia as a green tech hub, but the reality is that AI and renewables require massive investment, infrastructure, and skilled labor—all of which Indonesia lacks. Airlangga’s optimism feels almost performative. If you take a step back and think about it, Indonesia’s focus on AI and robotics mirrors its historical attempts to modernize: it’s a cycle of adopting foreign models without addressing systemic issues like corruption, education gaps, or bureaucratic inertia.
Here’s where it gets interesting: WAICO’s promise of technology transfer is a double-edged sword. On paper, it offers access to cutting-edge research and investment. In practice, it could mean Indonesia becomes a testing ground for Chinese tech, with little say in how those innovations are applied. A detail that I find especially interesting is the emphasis on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These are the backbone of Indonesia’s economy, yet they’re the least equipped to compete in a high-tech race. This raises a deeper question: Is Indonesia preparing its grassroots economy for AI, or is it simply using MSMEs as a buzzword to mask its lack of foundational tech infrastructure?
What this really suggests is that Indonesia’s AI ambitions are more about image than substance. By aligning with China, it’s trying to project itself as a forward-thinking nation, but the reality is that it’s playing catch-up in a game where the rules are already written by others. The broader implication? Southeast Asia is becoming a battleground for tech influence, and Indonesia’s choice to partner with China might alienate other potential allies, like the U.S. or EU nations, who see AI as a tool for democracy and open innovation.
In my opinion, Indonesia needs to rethink its approach. Instead of chasing China’s shadow, it should focus on building a tech ecosystem that addresses its unique challenges—like rural connectivity, agricultural automation, or disaster response. The AI race isn’t just about who’s faster; it’s about solving problems that matter to your people. If Indonesia wants to be a player, it needs to define its own path, not follow someone else’s blueprint. Otherwise, it risks becoming a footnote in a story it didn’t write.
