Heaptalk, Jakarta — In a meeting with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (04/30), President Joko Widodo welcomed the tech giant’s plans to develop the technology ecosystem in Indonesia. Microsoft and the Indonesian government will work together to advance human resources and build a joint research center.
Accompanying President Joko Widodo during the meeting, Minister of Communication and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi revealed that Microsoft will invest significantly in Indonesia over the next four years in artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure as well as AI training opportunities for 840,000 people, as reported by Antara News.
Microsoft will also provide support for the growing developer community in Indonesia, one of which is through the AI Odyssey program. This move is expected to reach up to 10,000 developers with Microsoft credentials.
Asked to build research and development center
“Microsoft owns an Asia-Pacific Research and Development Center; the President asked for one to be built in Indonesia. The location is up to the company. We offer several areas, including IKN (Nusantara Capital) and Bali,” Budi stated after the meeting between President Jokowi and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella at the State Palace, Central Jakarta (04/30).
Furthermore, Budi said that this collaboration with Microsoft is expected to help the Indonesian government build a Smart City in IKN. He explained, “As human capital is essential, the collaboration focuses on developing human resources. This is also important for Indonesia in order to move towards digital transformation, including assisting the Indonesian government in developing a Smart City in IKN.”
Meanwhile, Microsoft Indonesia President Director Dharma Simorangkir stated that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella had conveyed the aim of developing technology business in Indonesia to President Joko Widodo. “Satya Nadella has met with the President to convey his commitment to Microsoft’s business development and technology investment in Indonesia, which will later be announced at the JCC,” Dharma said during the press conference at the State Palace, Central Jakarta (04/30).
Satya Nadella is scheduled to attend Microsoft Build AI Day at the Jakarta Convention Center Senayan, Central Jakarta (04/30). The activity, attended by Minister of Communication and Informatics Budi Arie and the other Ministers, will discuss Microsoft’s business development in Indonesia.
