Indonesia is preparing to strengthen regional economic cooperation and promote artificial intelligence (AI) innovation at the upcoming 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Shenzhen, China.

The announcement was made on November 2026, by Indonesian Foreign Ministry officials during a press briefing in Jakarta. The country plans to use the international platform to encourage stronger trade partnerships, technological development and inclusive economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region.

Indonesia believes that closer cooperation among APEC economies will be essential for addressing global economic uncertainty, technological competition and changing international trade conditions.

AI Innovation Becomes a Major Priority

One of Indonesia’s key objectives is to encourage the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence.

The country wants AI technology to create opportunities not only for advanced economies but also for developing nations.

Indonesian officials believe that cooperation in AI research, digital infrastructure and technological innovation could help businesses improve productivity and create new economic opportunities.

Indonesia is also emphasising the importance of safe, responsible and human-centred AI development to reduce potential risks associated with rapidly advancing technologies.

Five Key Priorities for Indonesia

Indonesia has identified five major interests that it intends to advance during the APEC summit:

1. Regional resilience: Strengthening national economic resilience while contributing to the stability of the wider Asia-Pacific region.
2. International trade: Supporting a stronger multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its centre.
3. Regional connectivity: Improving infrastructure, transportation networks and supply chain connections between participating economies.
4. Inclusive investment: Encouraging international trade and investment while increasing opportunities for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
5. Digital transformation: Promoting inclusive access to digital technologies and encouraging safe and responsible AI adoption.

These priorities reflect Indonesia’s ambition to ensure that economic development and technological progress benefit a wider section of society.

Stronger Trade and Investment Cooperation

Indonesia also wants APEC members to strengthen regional trade and investment partnerships.

The country supports efforts to improve the multilateral trading system and advance discussions surrounding the proposed Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).

Greater economic integration could reduce trade barriers, improve market access and encourage businesses to explore opportunities across international markets.

Indonesia is particularly interested in increasing the participation of smaller businesses in regional and global supply chains.

Supporting Developing Economies Through Technology

Another important issue for Indonesia is ensuring that developing economies are not left behind during the global digital transformation.

AI and other emerging technologies are rapidly changing industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, transportation and financial services.

However, differences in digital infrastructure, technical skills and investment capacity can prevent some countries from benefiting equally.

Indonesia wants APEC members to cooperate in addressing these gaps through knowledge sharing, technological partnerships and improved digital capabilities.

Cooperation Across Multiple Economic Sectors

Apart from AI and international trade, Indonesia intends to encourage cooperation in several strategic areas.

These include agriculture, energy, transportation, women’s empowerment, natural resource management and the development of small businesses.

The country believes that collaboration across these sectors can strengthen regional economic resilience and create more sustainable development opportunities.

APEC 2026 to Bring Regional Leaders Together

The 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting is scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, China, on November 18 and 19.

The gathering will bring together leaders and representatives from 21 APEC member economies to discuss economic cooperation and shared regional priorities.

Under China’s 2026 host theme, “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together,” the three major priorities are openness, innovation and cooperation.

Indonesia’s agenda closely aligns with these themes, particularly its focus on digital innovation, regional connectivity and inclusive economic development.

Indonesia Seeks a More Connected and Innovative Asia-Pacific

Indonesia’s participation in the upcoming summit reflects its ambition to play a stronger role in shaping the region’s economic and technological future.

By promoting responsible AI development, stronger trade relationships and inclusive investment, the country hopes to encourage a more connected and competitive Asia-Pacific economy.

The discussions in Shenzhen could also provide an important opportunity for participating economies to develop common approaches to emerging technologies and regional economic challenges.