ITSEC Asia Presents AICX 2026 as a Milestone for Indonesia’s Digital Resilience

ITSEC Asia co-hosted AICX 2026 with Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, at Bali Beach Convention in Sanur, Bali. Held as part of Bali Tech Week 2026, the forum welcomed more than 600 participants and 25 speakers from government, regulatory bodies, business leadership, technology and academia, representing both Indonesia and the international community.

Cyberattacks that disrupt services and interrupt business operations are occurring as AI accelerates technological change. For governments and businesses alike, the ability to anticipate threats, maintain operational continuity and recover systems has become increasingly urgent. Under the theme “AI, Cyber & Quantum: Indonesia's Next Chapter,” AICX 2026 brought stakeholders together to address these challenges and consider what Indonesia needs to prepare for next.

AICX builds on the ITSEC Cybersecurity & AI Summit held last year, which brought together policymakers, business leaders and experts from across ASEAN. This year, the forum was co-hosted with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, bringing AI and cybersecurity into a shared discussion. Policymakers gained direct perspectives on industry challenges, business leaders examined technology and investment decisions, and academics and experts exchanged approaches to emerging digital risks.

Patrick Dannacher, President Director of ITSEC Asia, said technology decisions increasingly carry broader implications for corporate competitiveness, operational resilience and national interests. He said business leaders need to consider AI and cybersecurity as strategic priorities that shape business continuity and Indonesia’s readiness for technological change.

“The decisions leaders make today will determine where their organisations stand in the years ahead. AI is changing how businesses operate, while cyber threats and emerging technologies are reshaping the risks they face. Discussions at the leadership level need to translate into clear decisions on priorities, investment and the capabilities required to operate in the AI era. AICX brings these perspectives together and helps drive a more focused approach to the challenges ahead,” said Patrick.

Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, Director General of Digital Ecosystem at Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, delivered remarks on Indonesia’s digital sovereignty and the relationship between AI and cybersecurity, representing Minister Meutya Viada Hafid.

“Cybersecurity must be treated as a foundation for innovation and AI adoption, supported by sustained investment in people, infrastructure and technology. Indonesia needs to strengthen its digital talent pool and build closer collaboration between government, industry, academia and civil society. Through AICX 2026, we can align priorities, turn dialogue into practical partnerships and develop trusted solutions that meet Indonesia’s needs while contributing to the wider region,” said Edwin.

Slamet Aji Pamungkas, Deputy Head of Indonesia’s National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), addressed the forum on the role of sovereign technology in strengthening national resilience, representing BSSN Head Nugroho Sulistyo Budi.

“We can talk about AI, digital transformation, innovation and the future of technology, but none of these ambitions can be sustained without cybersecurity. Security must be integrated into every stage of digital development, from the systems we design to the technologies we adopt. This is a shared responsibility that no single institution can address alone. Government, industry, academia and society must work together to strengthen Indonesia’s cyber resilience and ensure that our digital progress remains secure and sustainable,” said Slamet.

Speakers from government, financial services, technology and academia examined the challenges of enterprise AI adoption, governance in digital financial innovation and the readiness of security systems for advances in quantum computing. The discussions highlighted the need for organisations to assess how emerging technologies affect business processes, information protection and long-term operational capabilities.

Talent development was another key topic. Industry representatives and relevant organisations discussed the growing demand for professionals with AI and cybersecurity expertise to support Indonesia’s digital economy. Speakers also examined how public policy, media and the private sector can shape public understanding and encourage wider AI adoption in Indonesia.

Through AICX 2026, ITSEC Asia brought decision-makers and practitioners together to address challenges at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity and quantum technology. The forum provided a platform to exchange perspectives on Indonesia’s priorities for strengthening technological capabilities, protecting national digital interests and preparing its workforce for the changes ahead.