Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria, emphasized the need for Indonesia to transform its critical mineral wealth into a strategic digital geopolitical instrument. This step is considered crucial amid fierce global competition in the development of artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaking at the Jakarta Geopolitical Forum, Nezar revealed that Indonesia possesses a significant comparative advantage. Holding the world's largest nickel reserves, being the second-largest cobalt producer, and a major copper exporter, Indonesia holds a vital key in the supply chain for semiconductors, high-performance batteries, and global data center infrastructure.
The government aims to ensure that these natural resources do not remain mere raw material exports. Instead, critical minerals must be used as leverage to gain access to technology, manufacturing partnerships, and enhanced national computing capacity. This strategy is expected to position Indonesia as a key player in the global technology ecosystem, rather than just a consumer.
Nezar added that the country's national digital strength currently rests on four main pillars: critical mineral reserves, the largest digital market in Southeast Asia, a demographic dividend, and continuously expanding computing capacity. The integration of talent enhancement, data sovereignty, and industrial capability is an absolute prerequisite to achieving the Indonesia Gold 2045 vision.
Furthermore, the government is currently prioritizing chip diplomacy, strengthening energy infrastructure for data centers, and developing human resources in the semiconductor field. Success in winning this digital geopolitical competition, according to Nezar, will depend heavily on policy consistency across administrations and a strong political commitment to building highly competitive institutions.
