The Ministry of Communication and Digital Application (Komdigi) on Friday, July 11, 2025 launched the Indonesia AI Center of Excellence (AICoE), a national hub dedicated to the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), which is being developed in partnership with Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), Cisco, and NVIDIA.

“We believe that AI plays a crucial role in realizing our vision, particularly in boosting productivity across key sectors,” Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Application Nezar Patria said while addressing the launch ceremony.

AICoE is designed to serve as a collaborative platform to accelerate Indonesia’s AI capabilities through strategic infrastructure, inclusive talent development, and a sovereign digital ecosystem. Nezar emphasized that the center would continue expanding its programs, aligning them with the local context and national priorities.

Built on a Quad-Helix model − uniting government, industry, academia, and communities − AICoE aims to be the driving force behind Indonesia’s AI transformation. Its six core pillars include:

• AI Sandbox: A testing ground for real-world AI applications in priority sectors;

• AI and Data Talent Development: Training and certification for tens of thousands of individuals;

• Startup Accelerator: Nurturing innovation through support for local AI startups;

• Enterprise Hub: Encouraging collaboration with industries on tailored solutions;
• National Large Language Model (LLM): Developing Indonesia's own AI language model;

• AI Think Tank Forum: Shaping ethical and responsible AI policy frameworks.

Infrastructure and security

Key technology partners bring cutting-edge capabilities to the initiative:

Indosat, through its subsidiary Lintasarta, becomes the first in Southeast Asia to adopt NVIDIA GB200 NVL72, powering national-scale generative AI and high-performance computing.

Cisco, in turn, is enabling Indonesia’s first sovereign cloud-based Security Operations Center (SOC). Equipped with AI-driven threat detection, Splunk integration, and managed security services, the SOC will protect national data assets comprehensively.

Commitment

AICoE is committed to democratizing AI access across Indonesia − from urban centers to remote villages − leveraging Indosat’s network to connect hundreds of millions by 2027.

The program also includes an ambitious AI talent roadmap:

• One million Indonesians will receive AI, networking, and cybersecurity training by 2027;
• NVIDIA will contribute through research support, training programs, and startup incubation;

• Cisco has pledged to train 500,000 individuals via the Cisco Networking Academy by 2030.

With global tech leaders and a strong national mandate, AICoE is set to position Indonesia as a regional AI powerhouse − fostering innovation, ensuring data sovereignty, and shaping a digitally resilient future.