Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Minister of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), Meutya Hafid announced that Indonesia is set to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) center in Jayapura, Papua, by early 2025 as part of efforts to bolster the country’s AI ecosystem. The announcement was made during the Indonesia AI Day event in Jakarta on Thursday (Nov 14).
Meutya revealed that the plans for the Jayapura AI Center were discussed with Vikram Sinha, CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH).
“We still have a lot of work to do, but our partners’ commitment is outstanding. I can officially share that Mr. Vikram is targeting January or February for the launch of the AI Center in Jayapura,” said Meutya.
This new AI center in Jayapura follows an ongoing collaboration between NVIDIA and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) to build a similar facility in Solo, Central Java. The government’s vision is to expand the AI infrastructure beyond Java, fostering innovation and digital growth across different regions.
However, details on the investment size for the Jayapura project remain undisclosed. Meutya indicated that specifics, including partners and funding, would be shared at a later stage.
AI Sovereignty and Innovation
Meutya emphasized the need for comprehensive AI regulations that ensure Indonesia’s digital sovereignty without stifling innovation.
“We need to find a middle ground where sovereignty is upheld, but innovation and investment are not hindered,” she explained.
These regulations are essential to facilitate partnerships with global tech companies like NVIDIA while maintaining national interests.
The minister also outlined a focus on the government’s “3P” approach: Policy, People, and Platform. The policy aspect aims to bridge regulatory gaps, providing legal certainty while allowing room for technological advancements.
On the “People” front, the government is prioritizing the development of human resources through initiatives like the Digital Talent Scholarship program. This program, in collaboration with universities, industries, and associations, aims to enhance digital skills and competitiveness, particularly in the field of AI.
“Let’s leverage AI to solve social problems, improve the quality of life, and drive innovation,” Meutya urged.
The third aspect, “Platform,” focuses on creating diverse technological adoptions to foster collaboration among stakeholders, ultimately building an inclusive AI ecosystem in Indonesia.
Call for AI Framework
During the same event, Vikram Sinha, President Director and CEO of Indosat, called on the Indonesian government to establish a solid AI sovereignty framework amid the rapid global adoption of AI technologies.
“How can we ensure that AI empowers Indonesians to compete globally? We need to position technology as an accelerator for them to unlock their full potential,” Vikram said.
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Vikram made three key requests to the government, specifically addressing Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir and Minister of Komdigi Meutya Hafid, urging the establishment of a strong AI sovereignty foundation.
“We must treat data as a natural resource. Just like our culture and heritage, data needs to be safeguarded,” Vikram emphasized.
He also called for appropriate support, policies, productivity incentives, and frameworks to ensure data protection and responsible AI usage, reinforcing the role of AI in Indonesia’s digital transformation.
Building Digital Infrastructure
As Indonesia aims to enhance its digital economy, the development of AI centers in Jayapura and Solo is a crucial step toward achieving a more inclusive technological landscape. These initiatives align with the government’s broader strategy to boost digital literacy, attract foreign investment, and promote innovation across the archipelago.
With the rapid evolution of AI technologies, Indonesia’s focus on regulatory frameworks, human capital development, and public-private partnerships is expected to pave the way for a sustainable digital future.
(Raidi/Agung)
