Jakarta. Indonesia officially launched a national center for artificial intelligence (AI) in partnership with tech giants Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat or OOH), Cisco, and NVIDIA.

"The Indonesia AI Center of Excellence reflects the government's commitment to accelerating the adoption of AI technology," Deputy Communications Minister Nezar Patria said.

It will be open to stakeholders such as universities, industries, as well as AI developer communities.

"This way, they can use the access provided by the AI Center of Excellence to further benefit the Indonesian people," he added.

The newly launched center is set to strengthen collaboration and encourage AI adoption and inclusivity across the archipelago. Thanks to Indosat's computing power, the facility can facilitate research needs and AI adoption in business, public services, education, and healthcare, among others.

Nezar highlighted how AI development couldn't be solely driven by the government, but would require collaboration with corporations such as Indosat, Cisco, and NVIDIA. Such partnerships are expected to bring Indonesia closer to its 2045 Digital Indonesia target. 

The AI Center of Excellence is powered by NVIDIA's cutting-edge technology and secured by Cisco's intelligent infrastructure. Indosat's nationwide digital network also helps strengthen the system. Its launch demonstrates a shared commitment to building AI sovereignty, strengthening national capacity, and opening equitable access to AI for all Indonesians, regardless of where they live or their institution.

Likewise, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison President Director & CEO Vikram Sinha said that the AI center was based on the principles of collaboration and inclusivity. Cisco has sent its chair and CEO, Chuck Robbins, as well as President & Chief Product Officer Jeetu Patel, to attend the launch. The same goes for NVIDIA's SVP Telecom Ronnie Vasishta.

"Their presence personally demonstrates a strong commitment to Indonesia, with a promise to focus on building and helping Indonesia. First, creating infrastructure, then creating real-life applications that help people," Vikram said.

Vikram said that the AI center would primarily focus on investing in human capital.

"How can we help Indonesia without human talent? AI is not perfect. This is the first mission," he said.

Indosat has set up an AI facility that will see a team of NVIDIA and CISCO experts working together with universities and other communities to create real-life applications that help customers, the healthcare sector, and education.

The launch of the Indonesia AI Center of Excellence marks a new chapter in Indonesia's digital journey. This initiative will not only speed up AI adoption across various sectors but will also shape an inclusive AI future built by the nation's best talents.