On January 21, 2025, ASEAN launched an expanded Guide on AI Governance and Ethics for generative AI during the ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting, building on the previous version released in 2024.

The updated guide introduces discussions on frontier and systemic risks related to the long-term evolution of advanced generative AI models, despite the technology not yet being widespread in the region.

The previous guide had already identified six major risks associated with generative AI, including mistakes, factual inaccuracies, deepfakes, intellectual property infringements, privacy issues, and embedded biases.

ASEAN encourages its member states to voluntarily adopt the recommendations in the guide to facilitate policy alignment across the bloc.

Indonesia, while being among the first in Southeast Asia to develop AI legislation, risks falling behind in global AI development due to gaps in infrastructure and human capital compared to its regional peers.

In the 2023 Asia Pacific AI Readiness Index, Indonesia ranked third lowest among 12 surveyed countries, trailing behind Singapore and Malaysia in terms of data centers and regulatory frameworks.

Experts caution that Indonesia's delayed entry into the AI sector could harm its competitiveness, while rushing in may lead to chaos.

Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid announced on January 14 that Indonesia aims to finalize its AI regulations within three months, led by Deputy Communications Minister Nezar Patria.

In 2023, Indonesia issued a circular on AI use, establishing ethical guidelines for AI programming, analysis, and consulting within companies.

AI is projected to significantly boost ASEAN's GDP, with estimates suggesting an additional US$1 trillion by 2030, according to the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).

For Indonesia specifically, Google estimates that AI could contribute up to $167 billion to its economy by 2030, representing 13 percent of its GDP in 2022.

In the first half of 2024, Southeast Asia attracted over $30 billion in investments for AI infrastructure, highlighting the region's potential in the global AI landscape.