PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom) is strengthening its role as a key driver of Indonesia’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem through the Telkom AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE), which is present in nine cities nationwide (19/12). Malang serves as a strategic hub for AI CoE, focusing on collaboration between academia, practitioners, startups, and industry through the AI Connect platform.

Telkom President Director Dian Siswarini, accompanied by Independent Commissioner Ira Noviarti and Human Capital Management Director Willy Saelan, conducted an on-site review of AI Connect Malang on 15/12. The visit highlighted Telkom’s commitment to ensuring AI development delivers tangible benefits for talent, industry, and society.

AI Connect Malang: Integrating Talent and Industry Collaboration

AI Connect Malang integrates talent development, applied research, use case validation, and implementation of AI-based digital solutions. Dian Siswarini stated, “Through AI CoE, Telkom ensures AI does not stop at concepts or experiments, but is truly implemented to solve real-world challenges across sectors.”

The AI CoE operates through four pillars: AI Campus for talent development, AI Playground for research and AI exploration, AI Connect linking universities, communities, startups, and industry for innovation, and AI Hub as a center for proof-of-concept and broad adoption. This approach enables end-to-end AI innovation from upstream talent formation to downstream industry application.

Showcasing Practical AI Solutions

AI Connect Malang also features an AI Innovation Showcase, presenting solutions from startups, educational institutions, and industry partners. Innovations include creative content and gaming, enterprise platforms, education and agriculture technologies, virtual assistants, and Generative AI learning platforms.

Exhibitors include local game developers Restoruzz and Koperasi Game, enterprise software startup Algostudio, education-focused Nortis AI Academy, SMK Telkom Sidoarjo, PT Jayantara with Generative AI chat solutions for enterprises, and the creative industry accelerator Tombol Start Media. These innovations demonstrate practical AI applications across creative industries, education, SMEs, public services, and corporate sectors.

Developing Digital Talent for Sustainable AI Growth

Willy Saelan highlighted that AI Campus is essential for building adaptive and innovative digital talent. “Digital transformation and AI will only be sustainable if supported by adaptive and innovative talent. Through Telkom AI CoE, we develop not only technical skills but also a collaborative mindset to create impactful solutions for business and society,” he said.

As of December 2025, Telkom has nurtured over 19,000 digital talents, including around 15,000 AI specialists. Programs such as AI Talent Certification, AI Introductory Class, AI Clinic for Business, and AI Innovation Sprint provide platforms for talent growth and solution development. The initiative uses a pentahelix collaboration model involving academia, government, industry, community, and media.

Telkom’s Social Impact in Malang

Beyond technology and talent, TelkomGroup provided humanitarian aid to flood victims through BPBD and supported UMKM MakRum with production equipment on 15/12. These actions reflect Telkom’s commitment to both innovation and improving community welfare.

PHOTO: TELKOM INDONESIA

This article was created with AI assistance.