SHANGHAI—Indonesia has become a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), joining 28 other countries in establishing the new intergovernmental body aimed at expanding international cooperation and governance in artificial intelligence, Indonesian and Chinese authorities said.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto signed the agreement establishing WAICO in Shanghai during the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, acting under a directive from President Prabowo Subianto, according to the Indonesian government.
The Indonesian government said membership would give the country an opportunity to contribute to the development of global AI governance while supporting domestic efforts to expand AI capabilities and narrow technological gaps. Airlangga said Indonesia's participation was intended to ensure the country remained engaged in the rapid development of artificial intelligence and international policy discussions.
China said 29 countries signed the founding agreement for WAICO, describing the organization as an independent international body intended to promote cooperation on the development, deployment and governance of AI. The organization will be headquartered in Shanghai.
Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs said the move marked a strategic step in aligning the country's AI governance with international practices while strengthening cross-border collaboration on responsible AI development.
The establishment of WAICO comes as governments worldwide intensify efforts to develop common approaches to AI governance amid rapid advances in the technology and growing debate over international standards.
Further details on the organization's operational framework and future work program were not immediately available.
