Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat or IOH), together with Nokia and NVIDIA, officially inaugurated the AI-RAN Research Center in Surabaya. The center focuses on developing Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This is the first phase of the strategic partnership announced at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona.

Integrating AI in Indonesia’s Mobile Networks

The collaboration combines Nokia’s advanced RAN technology, NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platforms, and Indosat’s reliable commercial network. With the theme “AI by Indonesians, for Indonesia,” the center is the first in Asia created from this AI-RAN collaboration. It aims to strengthen Indonesia’s role as a leader in AI-based network development and supports the government’s goal of national digital sovereignty under the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision.

The AI-RAN infrastructure enables high-performance software-defined RAN and is connected to Indosat’s Sovereign AI Factory powered by NVIDIA. Both platforms bring AI capabilities closer to customers, improving digital experiences and creating economic opportunities from RAN investment. Research will focus on AI-based wireless network optimization to enhance network performance, energy efficiency, and scalability through AI/ML radio signal processing. The platform runs AI and RAN workloads on NVIDIA Aerial RAN Computer 1 (ARC-1) and prepares for commercial AI-RAN deployment using NVIDIA ARC-Pro and Nokia CUDA-accelerated anyRAN software, creating a more dynamic and intelligent mobile network for Indosat users.

Building the AI Grid for Distributed AI Applications

Indosat, Nokia, and NVIDIA aim to develop an “AI Grid,” connecting Indosat’s central AI Factory with regional AI-RAN hubs across Indonesia. This enables AI applications to run closer to users, from data centers to distributed 5G networks, allowing AI to be delivered more efficiently to millions of Indonesians.

The AI-RAN Research Center also supports Aivolusi5G, promoting smart connectivity for citizens and businesses nationwide. By combining connectivity and computing, AI-based solutions can benefit sectors such as education, agriculture, and healthcare, changing how Indonesians learn, work, and live.

Investing in Digital Talent and Innovation

The research center is also a strategic investment in Indonesia’s digital talent. It will provide opportunities for training the next generation of AI and telecommunications specialists through hands-on learning, mentoring programs, and practical field experiments. By combining the global expertise of Nokia, NVIDIA, and Indosat with Indonesia’s growing digital talent, the initiative accelerates knowledge transfer and innovation, supporting Indonesia’s ambition to be among the world’s top five economies by 2045.

Government and Industry Leaders Emphasize Strategic Importance

Nezar Patria, Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, said: “The inauguration of the AI-RAN Research Center is a tangible step in strengthening Indonesia’s digital sovereignty. Collaboration between the government, industry, and global partners such as Indosat, Nokia, and NVIDIA shows that Indonesia is not only a user but also a creator of AI technology. This initiative supports the acceleration of Indonesia Emas 2045 by building an inclusive, secure, and globally competitive AI ecosystem.”

Vikram Sinha, CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, said: “The AI-RAN Research Center represents Indosat’s commitment to empowering Indonesia. When connectivity merges with computing, intelligence is delivered directly through networks while safeguarding data sovereignty. AI brings real benefits, from personalized AI tutors for children in remote areas to precision agriculture with drones. Together with Nokia and NVIDIA, we are building a foundation for AI-driven growth to strengthen Indonesia’s digital future.”

Ronnie Vasishta, NVIDIA Senior Vice President of Telecom, said: “AI Grid represents a major opportunity for telecom providers to embed AI across connectivity, delivering intelligence at scale through existing wireless networks. The AI-RAN infrastructure at this center marks the start of a new era of AI-based innovation for citizens and businesses in Indonesia.”

Pallavi Mahajan, Nokia Chief Technology and AI Officer, stated: “This initiative is a milestone in creating an AI-native network future, bringing AI intelligence to every Indonesian. By combining Nokia’s RAN technology, NVIDIA’s accelerated computing, and Indosat’s operational expertise, we show how AI can transform telecom network performance and intelligence while building a strong foundation for Indonesia’s digital future.”

PHOTO: IOH

This article was created with AI assistance.