Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs and Monash University, Indonesia Initiate AI Collaboration for Research and Public Protection
From left to right: Associate Professor Dyah Pitaloka, Bapak Nezar Patria, and Professor Matthew Nicholson
Jakarta – The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) and Monash University, Indonesia are strengthening their collaborative initiative in utilising artificial intelligence (AI) for public protection, particularly for women and children.
This initiative is also linked to the upcoming AI for Law Enforcement and Community Safety (AILECS) event, which is scheduled to take place in Indonesia in April 2026.
Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, expressed the Ministry’s full support for the initiative, which will also address AI-related law enforcement and policy issues. "We appreciate this initiative and are ready to collaborate in the preparation and implementation of AILECS. This event will be a major platform to engage Indonesia’s young digital talents," he stated during a meeting with Monash University, Indonesia at the Ministry’s office in Central Jakarta.
Deputy Minister Nezar Patria also believes the event will feature various activities aimed at developing AI human resources in Indonesia, not only in the legal and policy sectors but also in other priority areas. "Activities could include hackathons or workshops on AI in education, healthcare, the workforce, transportation, and more," he added.
Several sectors are already being impacted by the rapid advancement of AI technology, and efforts are needed to enhance AI adoption capabilities in these related fields.
Pro Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, Indonesia, Professor Matthew Nicholson, explained that AILECS is a collaboration between Monash University and the Australian Federal Police, involving various stakeholders from multiple countries in an inclusive manner.
The event is expected to serve as a platform for policymakers and stakeholders in digital technology and internet governance from Indonesia and Southeast Asian countries to come together and discuss the future of AI in multiple sectors. "There will be discussions on the use of AI in education, healthcare, and legal protection for women and children," he explained.
Associate Professor Dyah Pitaloka, Course Coordinator of the Master of Marketing and Digital Communications (MMDC) program at Monash University, Indonesia, shared the purpose behind the meeting, "This meeting was initiated to introduce Monash University, Indonesia’s expertise and research to the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. On a smaller scale, it aligns with my ongoing project on Technology and Safety and its relevance to the Ministry’s agenda," she explained.
"On a broader level, the meeting is aimed: 1) to discuss issues related to technology facilitated violence; 2) to discuss the role of Monash University, Indonesia in supporting and strengthening the regulations, advocacy and education efforts on Technology & Safety; and 3) to explore future collaborations between Monash University, Indonesia and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs."
Other topics discussed during the meeting included multi-stakeholder collaboration initiatives among government, academia, civil society, and the private sector, covering joint research, curriculum and teaching material enhancement, and recurring guest lectures featuring AI experts from Indonesia and abroad.