Over dinner with Indonesian officials in Shanghai this week, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a warm personal message for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, along with high praise for Indonesia’s role in a newly formed global artificial intelligence cooperation body.
The exchange was disclosed by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, who led the Indonesian delegation at the event. The informal conversation took place during a dinner reception hosted by Xi Jinping for delegation leaders from various countries in Shanghai, China.
“The meeting with President Xi Jinping was in the form of an informal gathering during a dinner reception. So, of course, President Xi Jinping conveyed his warm regards to President Prabowo, and our delegation from Indonesia conveyed the same,” Airlangga said during an online press conference broadcast live from Shanghai on Friday night, July 17, 2026.
Indonesia’s Role at WAIC 2026
Airlangga served as head of the Indonesian delegation at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026. Indonesia’s presence at the forum also marked its position as one of the founding countries of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).
According to Airlangga, Xi Jinping expressed strong hopes for Indonesia’s active involvement, alongside dozens of other developing nations, in this new international AI body.
“President Xi Jinping certainly hopes that Indonesia’s participation in WAICO will bring a distinctive contribution, particularly for countries in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.
A Historic Milestone: Indonesia Among WAICO’s Founding Nations
Indonesia is now officially recognized as one of the first 29 countries to initiate the establishment of WAICO. The signing of this global cooperation charter marks a new chapter for the country’s digital ecosystem and represents the direct realization of a mandate from President Prabowo Subianto.
“The Indonesian government was asked to participate in the declaration establishing this world artificial intelligence cooperation organization,” Airlangga explained.
Alongside Indonesia, the new technology alliance includes dozens of nations from across several regions:
- Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia
- BRICS Alliance: China, Brazil, Russia, Ethiopia, and South Africa
- Africa: Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Lesotho, Mozambique, Senegal, and Zambia
- Latin America: Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela
- Central Asia & Middle East: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Oman
- Eastern Europe: Belarus and Serbia
Airlangga said initial registration for founding member status remains open through the organizing committee until the end of July, specifically July 31, 2026.
Indonesia’s Mission: Ensuring Fair Global AI Governance
Airlangga explained that Indonesia’s intensive involvement in WAICO carries an important mission: helping shape regulation and future use of artificial intelligence. Indonesia aims to ensure AI adoption remains within safe boundaries and operates under a clear ethical framework.
“Indonesia’s presence is part of a concrete commitment to building governance and development principles for artificial intelligence itself,” Airlangga said.
The Indonesian government hopes the organization’s establishment can help reduce technological disparities on the international stage. “In particular, we are participating so that future AI technology development is inclusive, responsible, safe, and not monopolized, so that it can provide shared benefits,” he concluded.
