Indonesia is strengthening its strategy to achieve Indonesia Sovereign AI by preparing Indonesian AI experts working overseas to teach local talent through the AI Talent Factory program, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) announced in Jakarta (18/12).

The initiative was conveyed by Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria during the Catalyst Policy Works event titled “Exploring the National AI Roadmap, A Foundation for Self-Reliance?” held at Wisma Bisnis Indonesia, Central Jakarta.

Government Strategy Focuses on AI Talent Development

Kemkomdigi continues to pursue artificial intelligence independence by prioritizing the development of national human resources.

One of the main approaches is bringing Indonesian AI professionals from abroad to mentor students and university graduates in Indonesia through structured education programs.

Learning From India’s Experience in Sovereign AI

Nezar said Indonesia is learning from India, which successfully built an independent AI ecosystem by engaging its diaspora.

“If we want to build sovereign AI, we must open our minds and learn from countries that have already tried it. We see India, through its sovereign AI lab, trying to create an independent artificial intelligence ecosystem for economic development,” Nezar said.

He explained that India initially sent digital talent to developed countries such as the United States, Europe, and China before later investing heavily to support thousands of start-ups and encouraging experts to return.

Indonesian AI Experts Working at Global Companies

Nezar stated that Indonesia has similar potential, as many Indonesian professionals are currently working at global technology companies.

Some of these talents are employed at international firms, including DeepMind in the United Kingdom.

Kemkomdigi has contacted several of these experts to support domestic talent development.

“We contacted several Indonesian talents there. We asked them to teach our students and university graduates who are eager to deepen this technology in a program we call the AI Talent Factory,” he said.

AI Talent Factory Implemented and Expanded Nationwide

The AI Talent Factory program has been implemented at Universitas Brawijaya with an intensive four-month education package.

Nezar said the program will continue and expand to other universities.

“Next, it will be implemented at ITS and UGM in 2026. This is one form of state intervention to accelerate the growth of AI talent in our country and strengthen the strategy toward Sovereign AI,” he said.

PHOTO: MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION AND DIGITAL AFFAIRS

This article was created with AI assistance.