Telkomsel has officially launched the 9th iteration of its flagship CSR program, IndonesiaNEXT, under the theme #UpskillToInnovate. This initiative aims to empower Indonesia’s youth with cutting-edge digital skills, including AI-based technologies, while supporting the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

The program addresses critical issues in higher education, such as unequal access, quality gaps, and the relevance of graduates to industry demands, as highlighted by Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. IndonesiaNEXT combines technology-driven training, talent mapping, and global collaboration to produce job-ready digital talents with a significant societal impact.

Saki H. Bramono, Telkomsel’s VP of Corporate Communications & Social Responsibility, emphasized, “Through IndonesiaNEXT, Telkomsel reaffirms its commitment to expanding access to relevant digital skills. We aim to inspire the younger generation to innovate and create positive change for the nation.”

This year’s program introduces several enhancements, such as a curriculum featuring Generative AI, industry-aligned certifications, and collaborations with global institutions. Additionally, a structured talent-mapping framework ensures participants' progress is systematically monitored.

IndonesiaNEXT comprises five key stages:

1. National Webinar & Placement Test: training sessions for 1,000 selected participants.
2. Tech-Based Certification: certification opportunities for the top 300 performers.
3. Ideation Bootcamp: role-specific skill development for digital professionals like Hustlers, Hipsters, and Hackers.
4. Digitalent Academy: advanced skills training for 24 outstanding participants.
5. Awarding: recognizing top teams and individuals in various categories.

Registration for IndonesiaNEXT is open until March 10, 2025, to active university students from all disciplines. The program also features on-campus events at top universities like Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Airlangga, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Telkom University. Interested students can register at Indonesianext.co.id.

Since its inception in 2016, IndonesiaNEXT has reached over 86,000 participants from 38 provinces and issued more than 6,800 certifications. Alongside initiatives like NextDev and Telkomsel Ventures, the program supports Telkomsel’s innovation roadmap toward Indonesia’s Golden Era 2045.

Saki added, “Digital talents are pivotal to Indonesia’s digital ecosystem and economic sustainability. Through IndonesiaNEXT, we aim to nurture technopreneurs who will lead the nation toward a brighter future.”