Tools for Humanity (TFH), the company founded by OpenAI boss Sam Altman, is set to expand its technological footprint in Indonesia. During a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with the Ministry of Investment and BKPM in Jakarta on March 18, 2025, TFH revealed plans to assemble Orbs locally. These devices, which resemble spheres, are designed to verify users by scanning their eyes, eliminating the need for personal identification like names or phone numbers.

According to Damien Kieran, TFH’s Chief Legal and Privacy Officer, the company aims to assemble the Orbs not just for the Indonesian market but for the broader Southeast Asia region as well. "We want to explore the opportunity of assembling Orbs in Indonesia, not only for the domestic market but for Southeast Asia," Kieran shared during the event. This initiative will help TFH bring its advanced technology closer to local consumers and businesses.

The company’s plans include manufacturing the devices in Indonesia after initial assembly, and TFH is collaborating with various partners to ensure a seamless process. One of the key steps in this effort is identifying local partners and understanding the necessary investment levels. TFH also aims to ramp up Orb production to support a larger presence in the country. Currently, the company has launched Orbs in 12 locations across Jakarta, with plans to expand to other cities soon.

Kieran explained that many of the Orb components, such as those from Nvidia, need to be assembled rather than manufactured locally. This will allow TFH to adapt to local market needs while tapping into Indonesia’s growing digital ecosystem. He noted, "Over time, we will continue to develop and expand our production capacity."

The collaboration with the Ministry of Investment and BKPM reflects Indonesia’s commitment to digital transformation and growing its tech ecosystem. Todotua Pasaribu, Vice Minister of Investment and BKPM, expressed confidence that this partnership will not only foster a safer, more inclusive digital environment but also drive technological innovation in the country. “We believe this investment and partnership will contribute significantly to Indonesia’s digital transformation,” he said.

Additionally, the partnership is expected to facilitate technology transfer, allowing local industries to adopt more advanced tech solutions. TFH's innovations, especially the Orbs, are poised to become valuable tools in sectors requiring advanced identification systems, such as finance and security.

In conclusion, TFH’s decision to expand operations in Indonesia is part of its broader strategy to scale its cutting-edge technology across Southeast Asia. The partnership with Indonesia promises significant advancements in both digital transformation and global competitiveness for the country.

PHOTO: THREADS/@WAFATAFTAZANI

This article was created with AI assistance.