Digital Diplomacy: Ilham Habibie Calls for South-South Tech Alliance with India

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Ilham Akbar Habibie, Chairman of Indonesia’s National Information and Communication Technology Council, or Wantiknas, is advocating for a strategic pivot toward India, arguing that the two nations possess a unique "chemistry" that could redefine the digital landscape of the Global South.

Speaking at the “India Night 2026” forum, Ilham emphasized that the relationship between Jakarta and New Delhi transcends simple trade, rooted in what he described as an instinctive understanding between their respective business communities. “Indian entrepreneurs find it relatively easy to maneuver in Indonesia, and so do Indonesians as well,” Ilham noted, citing his own extensive travels to Indian tech hubs like Bangalore and New Delhi.

The Digital Public Infrastructure Model

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Ilham’s primary focus is the adoption of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), a concept popularized by India to provide universal access to digital services. He lauded India's "AI for good" and "AI for humanity" initiatives, suggesting that Indonesia's own technological transformation—specifically the upcoming Indonesia Open Network (ION)—should "learn from the Indian experience".

As the head of Wantiknas, Ilham views India as a blueprint for using technology not just for profit, but to provide social benefits in the public sphere. This collaboration on digital infrastructure is seen as a way to bypass the dominance of global e-commerce giants and empower local small businesses.

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The "Bandung Spirit" and Middle Power Ambitions

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Beyond technology, Ilham framed the strengthening of bilateral ties as a geopolitical necessity. He invoked the “Bandung Spirit” of 1955—the foundational moment for the Non-Aligned Movement—as a model for modern South-South collaboration.

He argued that for strategic reasons, Indonesia must lessen its "overly dependence" on traditional trading partners. By stepping up as "strong middle powers," both Indonesia and India can drive prosperity across the Global South. He also reminded the audience of the historical nomenclature that binds the two nations, noting that the name “Indonesia” was originally coined to describe the “Indian islands”.

A Shared Economic Destiny

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Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, Ilham believes Indonesia is determined to solidify its status as a major player on the world stage. He characterized the ongoing collaboration in sectors like AI, ICT, and digital governance as essential components of this ambition. For Ilham, the goal is clear: leveraging the shared heritage and mutual trust of the two democracies to build a more autonomous and technologically advanced economic bloc.