DIGIVESTASI - Ministry of Communication and Digital Teams Up with Microsoft for $1.7 Billion AI Training Initiative, The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has partnered with Microsoft to launch the ElevAIte program, an artificial intelligence (AI) training initiative with a total investment value of Rp27.6 trillion. Minister Meutya Hafid announced that this commitment marks Microsoft’s largest investment in its 29-year presence in Indonesia. The program was officially launched at Komdigi’s office on Monday (December 2).

“Thank you for the investment commitment of US$1.7 billion, or around Rp27.6 trillion. This is Microsoft’s largest investment in Indonesia,” stated Meutya.

Through this collaboration, Meutya expressed hope that AI technology would enhance the efficiency of public services while strengthening oversight in the digital space. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy and productive digital environment in line with public aspirations.

Meutya also urged that the ElevAIte program prioritize inclusive AI education. “We want Microsoft to focus on providing foundational AI training for all segments of society. The participants must be diverse,” she said.

The program aims to train one million Indonesian talents, equipping them with relevant skills for the digital transformation era. Meutya stressed the importance of targeting diverse societal groups, including women, to broaden understanding of how AI works and build public trust in the technology.

ElevAIte will involve partners from government, industry, educational institutions, and communities. The initiative seeks to unlock new opportunities through AI technologies, such as boosting productivity, creativity, quality of work, and responsible innovation.

“With around 70 percent of Indonesia’s population in the productive age range, providing relevant AI skills has become increasingly critical,” said Dharma Simorangkir, President Director of Microsoft Indonesia. “Indonesian talent is key to realizing the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.”

Microsoft’s investment far surpasses a previous proposal by Apple, which offered US$100 million (around Rp1.58 trillion). That proposal was ultimately rejected by the government. Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang explained that the government intends to renegotiate, as the amount offered by Apple did not meet expectations.

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