Universitas Brawijaya (Brawijaya University) has inaugurated Indonesia’s first artificial intelligence (AI) centre, focusing on innovation in agriculture, livestock, and healthcare to bolster national food security and digital resilience.
The Minister of Communication and Digital of the Republic of Indonesia, Meutya Hafid, inaugurated the AI centre, as well as a data centre, at Universitas Brawijaya, making it the first of its kind at a university level in Indonesia. The event took place on Sunday, the 5th of January, in Malang, East Java, and was attended by academics, government officials, as well as both national and international strategic partners.
“Today, we witnessed the inauguration of the AI centre and the data centre at Universitas Brawijaya, which is expected to become a hub of AI innovation in Indonesia. One of the key focuses is the application of AI to support food security, which is a national priority,” Hafid asserted in her speech.
This inauguration marks a significant milestone for Universitas Brawijaya in leveraging AI technology to support national development. One of the main focuses is the application of AI technology to enhance productivity in agriculture and livestock, the purpose of which is to achieve food self-sufficiency targets.
The AI centre, furthermore, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that enables the research and development of AI applications across various sectors. This initiative aligns with the national agenda to strengthen digital resilience and enhance Indonesia’s global competitiveness.
“The facilities at the AI centre are expected to be utilised by farmers and livestock breeders across Indonesia. This technology can provide solutions to increase productivity in agriculture and livestock, helping us achieve food self-sufficiency goals,” Hafid continued.
Hafid also reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Communication and Digital of the Republic of Indonesia to support universities actively addressing the challenges of the AI era. She further expressed hope that the AI centre would serve as a model for other universities in Indonesia to continue innovating and leveraging AI technology for the nation’s progress.
“We are proud and will continue to provide support to universities that are strategic partners of the government. Collaboration is crucial in preparing Indonesia for the era of artificial intelligence,” Hafid emphasised.
The Rector of Universitas Brawijaya, Prof. Widodo, expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Communication and Digital for the latter’s full support in establishing the facility. Widodo described the inauguration as a historic day for Universitas Brawijaya.
“The presence of the AI centre not only drives innovation but also accelerates the development of digital talent in Indonesia,” Widodo remarked.