Indonesia's AI Enthusiasm Outpaces West, Driven by Practical Benefits and Future Aspirations

Surveys consistently show that populations across the Asia-Pacific, including Indonesia, are significantly more enthusiastic about artificial intelligence (AI) than their counterparts in Western countries. According to an Ipsos survey conducted in 2025, over 80 percent of respondents from Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore anticipate AI will profoundly change their lives in the coming years. This marks a notable difference compared to the proportion of respondents in Western countries who express concerns about AI. The enthusiasm is rooted in the perception that AI offers direct and practical benefits to individual lives. Particularly in regions where educational, administrative, and professional services are scarce or of lower quality, AI functions as a powerful tool to improve current conditions, such as by personalizing learning opportunities and assisting with complex procedures. For instance, in archipelagic nations like Indonesia, access to quality education and administrative services can be limited due to geographical and infrastructural constraints. AI holds the potential to bridge these gaps and contribute to improving the quality of life for each citizen. Furthermore, there is a widely shared recognition across Asian countries that technological progress, including AI, is key to national greatness, economic development, and a brighter future. Similar to the narrative of "national revival through technology" in China, AI is not merely technological innovation but also plays a role in strengthening geopolitical competitiveness and enhancing national prestige. In contrast, Western countries tend to be more acutely aware of concerns regarding AI's impact on employment and privacy. This is likely influenced by the economic structure of Western nations, which often have a higher proportion of white-collar workers, and by cultural backgrounds that emphasize individual rights and freedoms. The positive attitude towards AI in Indonesia reflects a regional perspective that views technology as a practical problem-solving tool and an indispensable element for national development. Source: The Diplomat Indonesia