Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria stated that Indonesia's wealth of critical mineral resources could be a profitable digital diplomacy instrument amidst competition in artificial intelligence development.
At the Jakarta Geopolitical Forum he stated that Indonesia has a strategic advantage because it has critical mineral resources needed for technological development.
"Indonesia needs to use critical minerals to negotiate better access to computing, technology transfer, and manufacturing partnerships," he was quoted as saying in a ministry press statement confirmed.
He said that Indonesia has the world's largest nickel reserves and that this ownership could strengthen Indonesia's position in the global battery production supply chain.
"We are the world's second-largest producer of cobalt, a key material for high-performance batteries and advanced semiconductors," he said.
"In addition, we are the third-largest exporter of copper ore, a mineral essential for the cabling and cooling systems of data centers that house AI infrastructure," he added.
According to him, Indonesia's wealth of mineral resources allows it to become a key player in the global artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, not just a consumer.
Amid the rivalry between the United States and China, Nezar said Indonesia must determine its own strategic path through digital diplomacy.
With its wealth of critical mineral resources, large digital market, demographic dividend, computing capacity, digital talent, and industrial capabilities, he said, Indonesia should not just be a market or supplier of raw materials.
