The Green Gap: Lessons from the EU AI Act for Indonesia’s Sustainable Digital Future

Artificial intelligence is a groundbreaking technology that can advance the Sustainable Development Goals. However, its rapid integration also poses significant environmental challenges. This paper examines the EU AI Act through the lens of international environmental law, considering its potential as a normative model for Indonesia’s emerging legal framework on artificial intelligence. By analyzing the provisions of the Act and identifying key regulatory gaps—particularly in relation to energy use, emissions, and ecological impacts — this study emphasizes the necessity of mandating Sustainability Impact Assessments for AI systems to ensure climate-resilient governance. Drawing on Indonesia’s environmental commitments and digital investment landscape, the paper argues for the enactment of a comprehensive AI Umbrella Act. This holistic regulation would consolidate AI governance across critical sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, and finance. By using the EU AI Act as a benchmark while enhancing its environmental sustainability provisions, Indonesia can promote technological innovation while reinforcing ecological protection. The findings provide targeted legal recommendations to ensure that AI development in Indonesia contributes to global climate goals as well as equitable and sustainable digital growth in the long term.