Jakarta. Indonesia is setting an ambitious target to boost economic growth to 8 percent. The Communication and Digital Affairs Deputy Minister, Nezar Patria, believes that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a crucial role in realizing this vision by significantly increasing productivity across all sectors. However, in order to unlock this potential, Indonesia faces several urgent challenges.

“One of the most critical is the AI talent gap, particularly in meeting the demand for skilled professionals and ensuring competitive capabilities,” said Nezar during his keynote speech at the “Indonesia AI Center of Excellence Launch: Empowering Innovation, Securing AI Sovereignty” event held in Jakarta on Friday.

According to Nezar, Indonesia’s AI readiness also requires substantial improvement, especially in building necessary infrastructure and ensuring access to cutting-edge technology. He said the Indonesia AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE) can play a strategic role in advancing AI nationwide.

As a hub, the AI CoE will serve as a platform to promote collaboration and empower both global and local networks to share expertise and lead innovation programs. Through this partnership model, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) is honored to position the AI CoE as an orchestrator for the AI ecosystem.

“We believe that the presence of the AI CoE will drive related reforms, together with our partners --academic institutions, communities, and enterprises. What we are launching today is far more than a temporary model. This is a movement,” Nezar said.

In his closing statement, Nezar said the launch of the Indonesia AI Center of Excellence is a testament to the country’s commitment to embracing the future, empowering its people, and building an inclusive, innovative, and prosperous digital society.

The Ministry officially launched the Indonesia AI Center of Excellence on Friday, July 11, in Jakarta. This center is designed to enhance Indonesia’s competitiveness in AI through strategic collaboration with Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Cisco, and NVIDIA.

The Indonesia AI Center of Excellence is powered by NVIDIA’s cutting-edge technology, secured by Cisco’s intelligent infrastructure, and reinforced by Indosat’s digital network.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building AI sovereignty, strengthening national capabilities, and ensuring equitable access to AI for all Indonesians, from rural villages to urban cities, from startups to large corporations, and government institutions alike.