Eyewitness – Kuta
The ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC), a cornerstone of regional IP collaboration since 1995, convened in Kuta, Bali, from April 6–10, 2026. This strategic forum remains pivotal in fostering cooperation between regional IP offices to drive economic growth through innovation and creativity.
In this latest session, the forum reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the quality of IP services, accelerating examination and registration processes, and harmonizing policies to bolster the regional ecosystem for innovation and creative industries.
Addressing Global Dynamics
The meeting serves as a direct response to shifting global trends, specifically focusing on:
• Digital Transformation and the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Cross-border Royalty Governance.
• Transparency and Equity within global intellectual property systems.
As the host nation, Indonesia—represented by the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) under the Ministry of Law—emphasized its dedication to positioning ASEAN as a competitive global hub for IP protection and innovation.
Key Objectives of the 78th AWGIPC
The 78th meeting centered on several high-priority pillars:
• Copyright Royalty Governance: Modernizing frameworks for the digital era.
• Launch of ASPEC+: Introducing the enhanced ASEAN Patent Examination Co-operation plus.
• ASEAN IP Action Plan 2030: Accelerating the implementation of long-term strategic goals.
• Bilateral & Global Synergy: Strengthening ties between ASEAN member states and international partners.
”We must formulate policies that adopt technological advancements while strictly distinguishing between pure human intellectual creation and AI-generated content.”
— Min. Hermansyah Siregar, Director General of Intellectual Property (Indonesia).
The AI Challenge: Preserving Human Creativity
Hermansyah Siregar, Director General of Intellectual Property for Indonesia, highlighted the pressing challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence and “digital imitations.” He warned that while AI can enhance productivity, it must not erode the value of human intellect.
”AI development is inevitable, and we must embrace it,” Siregar stated, drawing a parallel to the music industry’s evolution from vinyl records to mobile recording. “However, the core principle remains: intellectual property requires the intervention of human reason, thought, and emotion. We must establish a governance framework that protects human creators and distinguishes between human-led monetization and AI-system monetization.”
National and Regional Interests
Adding to the discourse, M. Yosman, Director of Cooperation, Empowerment, and Education, noted that the agenda is critical for both regional and national interests. Key discussions included the ASEAN IP Rights Action Plan for the next five years, focusing on annual deliverables, “quick wins,” and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure the cooperation yields tangible benefits for innovators and creators across the region, specially in Indonesia.
Reporter: Daniel Herry
