Indonesia, China & ITA launch AI centre to boost key sectors

Indosat has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indonesia Technology Alliance and Tsinghua University Wuxi Research Institute of Applied Technologies to create an AI Application Cooperation Centre in Indonesia.

The agreement is aimed at fostering the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in Indonesia and was signed at Tsinghua University. The signing was witnessed by Parulian George Andreas Silalahi, Deputy Ambassador of the Indonesian Embassy to China.

The collaboration is framed as a broader effort to enhance China–Indonesia ties in digital technology and to bolster Indonesia's ambitions within the sphere of AI. The planned AI Application Cooperation Centre will bring the research capacity of Tsinghua University, the development focus of the Indonesia Technology Alliance (ITA), and the digital infrastructure of Indosat together to drive AI applications in education, healthcare, and agriculture.

Together, the organisations intend to support practical AI initiatives in priority sectors for Indonesia's long-term social and economic development. Areas such as food security are expected to benefit from AI-based solutions, with a focus on digital inclusion for a wider segment of Indonesia's population.

Indonesia is aiming to achieve its "Golden Indonesia 2045" vision, by which time AI is expected to play a pivotal role in increasing productivity and improving public services. Localising AI technology for Indonesia's particular circumstances is seen as an essential step for national competitiveness.

The MoU could serve as a precursor for future collaboration at government level between China and Indonesia, notably between China's National Development and Reform Commission and Indonesia's Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs, in support of AI development in both countries.

Nezar Patria, Vice Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, commented, "This marks an important step toward Indonesia's new technology era. We truly appreciate all parties who have made this collaboration possible. By combining expertise and resources, we can accelerate AI adoption in Indonesia and contribute to technological progress not only in the region, but also on the global stage."

With its large mobile customer base and nationwide infrastructure, Indosat's role in this partnership is seen as critical in translating advanced research into outcomes for millions of Indonesians. The company's focus will include expanding digital services in healthcare, education, and agriculture; as well as contributing to the development of local AI expertise.

Vikram Sinha, President Director and CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, said, "AI can help bridge the resource gaps that limit equal opportunities for Indonesians, particularly in healthcare, education, and agriculture. By working with Tsinghua University and ITA, we aim to bring localised, practical AI solutions to Indonesia while cultivating the next generation of AI talent. This partnership reflects our broader mission of empowering Indonesia."

Tsinghua University, a significant partner in the agreement, brings more than four decades of experience in AI research and related fields to the Centre. Academic leaders at Tsinghua University have stressed the broad applicability of AI in both education and healthcare, while citing its potential to improve resource distribution and equity in Indonesia.

Academician Zhang Bo, Honorary Dean of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Tsinghua University, commented, "Tsinghua University began exploring artificial intelligence in 1978 and is among the pioneers of AI research in China. This collaboration with Indonesia will further deepen exchanges and technical cooperation between our two countries in the field of artificial intelligence."

The AI Application Cooperation Centre is expected to become operational early next year. The partners state that the Centre will focus on the development of AI solutions tailored to Indonesian needs, but will also prioritise education and skills training to ensure that local talent can contribute significantly to the digital transition.

Dr. Justisiari P. Kusumah, Chairman of Indonesia Technology Alliance (ITA), said, "ITA is committed to fostering collaboration that accelerates Indonesia's digital transformation. This partnership demonstrates the power of combining government vision, industry expertise, and academic research to drive meaningful AI applications. By working together, we can ensure that AI development in Indonesia is inclusive, impactful, and aligned with the nation's long-term aspirations."

With its trilateral structure, the partnership is intended to serve as a platform for both technical exchange and cooperation between China and Indonesia in AI. According to the signatories, it also underlines Indonesia's focus on building a digital economy that emphasises inclusiveness and resilience, for the benefit of both its people and the broader Southeast Asian region.