Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Indonesian Technology Alliance (ITA) and Tsinghua University Wuxi Applied Technologies (Tsinghua University) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish an AI Application Cooperation Centre in Indonesia.
The groundbreaking collaboration, signed at Tsinghua University, marks the critical step in placing Indonesia at the forefront of the artificial intelligence (AI) era in a statement last Saturday.
The initiative, announced during the 2025 China-asean AI Ministers' Roundtable, goes beyond strengthening China-Indonesia cooperation in AI.
It sets the stage for Indonesia to foster innovation, nurture world-class talent and shape a dynamic AI ecosystem that strengthens the country's role as a regional leader in the digital economy.
The Application Cooperation Centre will integrate the ITA mission to accelerate Indonesia's digital ecosystem, as well as the role of Indosat as the leading digital telephone for the country equipped with Indonesia's first sovereign AI factory, and the leadership of Tsinghua University in applied technology.
The three organizations will focus on promoting the practical application of AI through key sectors such as education, healthcare and agriculture (food security). This is a central area of Indonesia's long-term development and digital inclusion.
The AI Application Cooperation Center is expected to be ready early next year.
It will develop AI solutions with the powerful Indonesian characteristics, act as a hub for increasing local talent, and building global expertise and prioritizing Indonesia's digital transformation.
According to the statement, the initiative is at a pivotal moment for Indonesia.
As the country moves towards the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, AI is increasingly recognized as the basis for increasing productivity, promoting improved public services and promoting innovation-driven growth.
Localizing AI solutions to Indonesia's unique economic and social contexts is essential to strengthening the nation's competitiveness and ensuring that digital transformation benefits all Indonesians.
Based on this momentum, this cooperation is expected to pave the way for a potential strategic partnership between the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China (NDRC) and the Communications Digital Affairs (MOCDA) of the Republic of Indonesia, focusing on developing AI capabilities in both countries.
“This is an important step towards Indonesia's new technology age, and I am truly grateful to all involved who have made this collaboration possible.
“Combining expertise and resources will help accelerate the adoption of AI in Indonesia and contribute to technological advancements not only in the region but also in the global stages,” said Nezar Patria, vice minister for communications and digital affairs for the Republic of Indonesia.
IndoSat noted that its involvement is particularly important.
With one of the largest mobile customer bases and a nationwide infrastructure, the company is uniquely set up to bring lab AI innovation into everyday life for millions of people.
From expanding access to digital healthcare, education and agriculture to developing the next generation of local AI talent, the company acts as a bridge between advanced global research and Indonesia's grassroots needs.
“AI will help bridge the resource gaps that limit equal opportunities for Indonesians, particularly in healthcare, education and agriculture,” said Vikram Sinha, president and CEO of IndoSat Ooredoo Hutchison.
“In collaboration with Tsinghua University and ITA, we aim to bring localized, practical AI solutions to Indonesia, whilst cultivating the next generation of AI talent.
“This partnership reflects our broader mission to empower Indonesia,” he added.
Zhang Bo, dean of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence at Tsinghua University, also highlighted the university's longstanding leadership in AI research.
“Twingua University began exploring artificial intelligence in 1978 and is one of the pioneers of AI research in China,” he said.
He highlighted the broader applications of AI in education, healthcare, transportation and finance, highlighting its role in advancing education equity and enabling a more balanced distribution of healthcare resources.
“This cooperation with Indonesia will further deepen the exchange and technical cooperation between the two countries in the field of artificial intelligence,” he added.
Dr Justisiali P. Kusma, chairman of the Indonesia Technology Alliance (ITA), said the ITA is working to promote collaborations that accelerate digital transformation in Indonesia.
“This partnership demonstrates the power to combine government vision, industry expertise and academic research to drive meaningful AI applications.
“Working together will ensure that Indonesia's AI development is comprehensive and impactful and consistent with the country's long-term aspirations,” he added.
He said the partnership not only demonstrates a new model of Chinese-Indonesia technical cooperation, but also strengthens Indonesia's commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, innovative digital economy for the people and the wider Southeast Asia region.
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