AGP Executive Report

Haze Response: Indonesia is testing dry-ice releases to break up smoke trapped by atmospheric inversions. After flights over Palembang, authorities reported visibility improving from 650 metres to 2.8 kilometres; trials continue through Sunday. Cybersecurity: The government is preparing post-quantum cryptography to protect sensitive data from future quantum attacks, including “harvest now, decrypt later” threats. Officials say agencies must map vulnerable systems and train staff, not just swap algorithms. Tech Skills: Vice President Gibran urged Islamic boarding school students to build AI and robotics skills, stressing hands-on learning, problem-solving and responsible use. Disaster Alerts: Indonesia and Japan are testing mosque loudspeakers as earthquake warning systems, using a familiar local network to help spread alerts.

Urban Technology: Jakarta MRT Phase 2A remains on schedule despite more than 4,000 archaeological finds. Engineers adjusted designs to protect remains of Batavia Fort; the line is 65.1% complete and due in 2029. Agricultural Research: Indonesia and China agreed to pursue a joint rice research center in Merauke, focusing on improved seeds, cultivation methods and water management suited to local conditions. Haze Response: Indonesia plans to test dry-ice cloud seeding as wildfires send toxic smoke across the region, turning skies orange and prompting school closures in East Timor. Enterprise AI: Indosat and F5 launched a platform giving businesses access to more than 300 AI models. Cybersecurity: Indonesia is also urging stronger ASEAN cooperation to build resilience against digital threats.

Haze Response: Indonesia is turning to dry-ice cloud seeding as wildfires fuel toxic smoke across the region, with Palangkaraya skies turning orange and East Timor closing schools. Cybersecurity: At an ASEAN meeting, Indonesia urged stronger cooperation between national response teams and protection for critical infrastructure, citing AI-driven threats, online fraud and ransomware. Industrial Tech: Jakarta is exploring Russian partnerships in digital technology, machinery and shipbuilding, including local assembly and skills development. AI Adoption: Indosat and F5 have launched an enterprise AI platform offering access to more than 300 models. Student Innovation: Jakarta high-school students have built a device that converts air humidity into water, a promising local response to water-supply challenges.

Student Innovation: Students at a Jakarta high school created a device that turns air humidity into water. AI Infrastructure: Data-centre expansion is drawing scrutiny over water use in Central Java, while residents in Batam protest shortages. Disaster Technology: Indonesia is testing mosque loudspeakers as earthquake alerts and adapting dry-ice technology to help clear haze. Tech Skills: The government is expanding Garuda Schools to build technology skills. Biotech: BPOM has partnered with 187 universities to strengthen the advanced therapy medicines ecosystem.

Haze Response: Indonesia plans to test dispersing dry ice over South Sumatra to trigger rain and curb weeks of wildfire smoke, as El Niño-driven dryness fuels fires. Tech Trade: A proposed strategic trade framework aims to protect sensitive technologies while supporting growth in semiconductors, AI, data centres and aerospace; chip and circuit exports rose to US$4.1 billion in 2025 from US$1.5 billion in 2024. STEM Skills: The government says its Garuda Superior Schools programme will expand access to science and technology education and help talented students reach leading universities. Digital Policy: Indonesia’s Trade Ministry and ERIA have launched training for 40 officials on digital trade rules, covering cross-border data, payments, cybersecurity and AI. Climate Risk: A new forecast projects Indonesia could see 10,400 additional heat-related deaths from December to February during a powerful El Niño.

Biotech: Indonesia’s drug regulator has partnered with 187 universities to build an advanced-therapy ecosystem, aiming to expand beyond its single approved therapy, which is currently imported. Startup Funding: The government hopes to raise Rp1 trillion for its Garuda Spark startup hubs this year, with about Rp400 billion secured so far. Disaster Alerts: Indonesia is testing mosque loudspeakers as earthquake warning systems, exploring a low-cost way to alert communities. Clean Energy: A study says switching households from LPG to induction stoves could add up to 53 gigawatts of electricity demand, potentially supporting the country’s solar ambitions. Research Links: Indonesian and Dutch researchers have wrapped up a conference focused on turning joint work in AI, education and sustainability into practical solutions.

Disaster Technology: Indonesia and Japan are testing mosque loudspeakers linked to seismic sensors as earthquake alarms; the prototype could reach communities when phone networks fail, but is not yet issuing public alerts. AI Education: Genius Group plans to open an AI-focused high school in Bali in 2027, with robotics and engineering labs. Research: A global study found severe land subsidence in Medan and Bandung, though rates have slowed in many Asian cities. Digital Heritage: Indonesia urged UNESCO to ensure AI supports cultural preservation without erasing local identities. Data Centres: Batam residents protested water shortages as nearby data-centre investment grows, sharpening concerns over how the island allocates scarce water.

Data-Centre Pressure: Batam residents say new data centres are worsening water shortages, though authorities blame a prolonged dry spell. Officials have told incoming operators to build desalination plants rather than draw on reservoirs. Climate & Cocoa: Research covering Indonesia, Ghana and Ecuador finds extreme rainfall can damage cocoa flowers and young pods, disrupt pollination and spread fungal disease—threatening yields and farmers’ livelihoods. Nuclear Energy: Indonesia has resources and candidate sites for nuclear power, an energy official says, but needs a task force to coordinate a national programme. Small modular reactors are under consideration for industrial zones and other high-demand users. AI Tools: Indosat’s Intelligence Suite aims to give businesses one point of access to hundreds of AI models, addressing the challenge of choosing and managing a fast-changing range of tools. Solar Projects: Indonesia’s SEDAYUSolar and China’s Yude Solar have formed a joint venture to develop projects, including for mining, data centres and industrial facilities.

Disaster Tech: Indonesia and Japan are developing mosque loudspeakers as earthquake-warning channels, with trials planned in Jakarta and other regions by 2030. Industrial Innovation: Indonesia aims to lift manufacturing productivity 18.7% by 2029 through workforce training in digital technology, automation, data analytics and cybersecurity. BRIN says too little local research reaches industry, leaving prototypes stranded before commercialization. EV Supply Chain: Four projects worth part of a US$10.2 billion investment package have begun commercial operations in Indonesia’s nickel region, including battery manufacturing for export; seven more projects are under construction. AI and Jobs: The IMF estimates AI could change about 40% of jobs worldwide, warning that young workers may lose entry-level roles that help them build experience.

Disaster Tech: A five-year trial is testing whether mosque loudspeakers can deliver earthquake alerts in remote Indonesian communities, using an existing network to reach people quickly. Digital Infrastructure: A new analysis argues Indonesia should use digital investment to build economic growth beyond Java, rather than simply adding data centres where business is already concentrated. AI & Chips: The Kura-Kura Bali Special Economic Zone is being positioned as an AI and semiconductor hub, with Tsinghua University links supporting research and industry collaboration. AI Adoption: Indonesian workers report high AI use, but businesses still need stronger systems to turn that appetite into useful tools and applications. Aviation Safety: AirNav Indonesia and Telkom University are partnering to develop AI for flight safety and aviation cybersecurity.

Research Ties: Indonesia and Egypt agreed to expand university partnerships, joint research and scholarships in medicine, engineering and science. Android Security: Google’s new verification rules are now in force in Indonesia, adding checks and delays when users install apps from outside approved channels to curb scams. Greener Cities: Bali designated six low-emission areas, including Ubud, Kuta and Sanur, to align tourism and urban planning with clean energy and lower emissions. AI & Aviation: AirNav and Telkom University are developing AI for flight safety and aviation cybersecurity. Science Heritage: Indonesia is set to receive 30,210 historical objects from the Netherlands, including the scientifically significant Dubois Collection of Homo erectus finds.

Digital Development: Indonesia has asked the Asian Development Bank for more support for human capital and digital infrastructure, while its higher-education minister urged universities to turn research into practical solutions. AI & Aviation: AirNav and Telkom University are developing AI for flight safety and aviation cybersecurity; the government is also backing seawater processing for data centers in Batam. ASEAN & AI: A declaration adopted in Bali calls for stronger copyright protection for journalism as digital platforms and AI reshape the media industry. Science & STEM: Indonesian elementary students won six gold medals at an international math and science olympiad. Climate & Geohazards: Researchers warn that falling water tables are worsening peatland fires, while Anak Krakatau’s alert level was raised after 14 eruptions in four days.

STEM Talent: Indonesian students won six gold medals at the 2026 International Mathematics and Science Olympiad, alongside 27 silver and 28 bronze. Research and Innovation: Higher Education Minister Brian Yuliarto urged universities to turn research into practical solutions and public value. AI and Media: An ASEAN forum in Bali called for stronger copyright safeguards as AI systems use journalistic work, including fair royalties and clearer rules. Cybersecurity: Ledger is investigating thefts linked to devices sold by Southeast Asian reseller CryptoBilis, listed in Indonesia; it urged buyers to pause setup and the reseller to halt shipments. Tech Infrastructure: Indonesia is exploring seawater processing for Batam data centers, while AirNav and Telkom University are developing AI for flight safety. Climate: Fires in Indonesia have sent hazardous haze across the region, renewing concerns about peatland burning as a powerful El Niño looms.

STEM Talent: Indonesian students won six gold, 27 silver and 28 bronze medals at the 2026 International Mathematics and Science Olympiad, surpassing their team’s expectations. AI and Aviation: AirNav and Telkom University are developing AI for flight safety, including aviation cybersecurity. Digital Infrastructure: Indonesia’s government is considering seawater processing for data centers in Batam, where cooling demand is a growing concern. Electric Vehicles: Suzuki’s eVitara marks the company’s move into fully electric vehicles in Indonesia; a recent test drive put its first battery EV in the spotlight. Cybersecurity: Ledger is investigating reported crypto losses tied to devices sold by Southeast Asian reseller CryptoBilis, listed in Indonesia. It has paused the reseller’s sales and advised recent buyers not to set up uninitialized devices; the cause and scale of losses remain unconfirmed. Aerospace: Indonesia and Airbus are working to strengthen the country’s aerospace ecosystem.

AI & Aviation: AirNav Indonesia and Telkom University are developing AI and cybersecurity tools for flight operations. Their NOTAM generator drafts notices in about a minute for human review; an automated air-traffic-controller scheduling system is also in development, with safety decisions remaining in human hands. Data-Center Sustainability: Indonesia is backing seawater processing to supply Batam’s data centers without squeezing local water supplies. Ten projects are planned, with one already operating. Digital Growth: Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto named AI, semiconductors and digital talent as priorities, including building chip-design capability through cooperation with ARM. Cybersecurity & Platforms: Bitdefender selected Indonesian distributor Gema Informatika Abadi to bring its consumer security products nationwide. Meta, meanwhile, has banned TikTok and other ByteDance ads on Facebook and Instagram in Indonesia, sharpening competition for users and advertisers.

Solar Push: Indonesia’s 100-GW solar ambition is achievable, industry stakeholders say, but faster permitting, clearer procurement rules, grid upgrades and investment certainty are needed to turn potential into power plants. Oil Technology: Indonesia is seeking US supercomputing and geological-data tools to identify promising reserves as it targets crude output of 1 million barrels a day by 2030. Research in Schools: BRIN and the Social Affairs Ministry will bring locally developed clean-water and waste-processing systems to about 14 People’s Schools, and study ways to improve teaching. Fires & Peatlands: In South Sumatra, El Niño-driven fires are threatening rubber farms; local families are battling blazes as dry peat and brush fuel the spread.