The Ministry of Communication and Digital of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with Microsoft, is set to launch artificial intelligence (AI) skills training, aiming to enhance Indonesia’s digitalisation and competitiveness in the global landscape.
The current Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, revealed in a statement to the press on Tuesday, the 3rd of December, that this collaboration has resulted in Microsoft’s investment commitment of US$1.7 billion, or approximately Rp27 trillion. This figure marks the largest investment in the history of Microsoft’s presence in Indonesia.
“We express our gratitude for the investment commitment of US$1.7 billion or around Rp27 trillion, a figure which is the largest investment in the 29-year history of Microsoft’s presence in Indonesia,” said Hafid.
In addition, Hafid expressed hopes that this collaboration between the two parties, billed as ElevAIte Indonesia, will empower approximately one million digital talents in the country, most of whom will be women.
“Especially [with] the launch of ElevAIte, we ask that Microsoft be able to focus on inclusive AI education, providing basic AI training for all levels of citizens. So, afterwards, those who are trained must be diverse,” she added.
Hafid stated that Microsoft’s investment commitment had been conveyed in a previous meeting and hopes that this cooperation could have a positive impact on Indonesia. Furthermore, through AI cooperation, she hopes to increase the efficiency of public services as well as help monitor the digital space.
“We are sure that ElevAIte Indonesia is not the last step; this is the first step for artificial intelligence. Previously, other cooperation and investment [from Microsoft] have also come in—thank you. However, for artificial intelligence, we must monitor this figure so that it can truly be enjoyed by the Indonesian people,” she continued.
According to the Work Trend Index report released by Microsoft and LinkedIn in early 2024, 69% of leaders in Indonesia stated that they would not hire someone without AI skills. Meanwhile, 76% are even more likely to hire candidates with less work experience but who are proficient in AI, compared to experienced candidates without AI skills.
“It is important to remember that AI transformation is not just a technological transformation, but a national transformation. We are honoured to partner with the Ministry of Communication and Digital and the entire national ecosystem to empower Indonesian talent,” said Dharma Simorangkir, President Director of Microsoft Indonesia, in a statement published on the company’s website on Monday, 2nd of December.