Indonesia is intensifying its efforts to develop artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, with a particular focus on enhancing collaboration with Russia, a global leader in AI research and innovation. During a meeting at the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow on December 11, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Russia and Belarus, Jose Tavares, expressed the country’s commitment to building a competitive future through AI and strengthening ties with Russia in this critical field.
“We believe that artificial intelligence is one of the key pillars in building an innovative and competitive future for Indonesia,” Ambassador Tavares said. “The Indonesian Embassy in Moscow is ready to serve as a bridge to strengthen cooperation with various relevant parties in Russia that excel in this field.” The meeting with representatives from the Indonesian Artificial Intelligence Research and Industry Collaboration (KORIKA) underscored a shared vision of advancing AI development in Indonesia through international partnerships, particularly with Russian institutions and companies.
AI is increasingly being adopted across various sectors in Indonesia, including public services, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Indonesia is on track to become one of Southeast Asia’s largest AI markets, with its digital economy forecast to reach USD 146 billion by 2025. However, challenges such as limited infrastructure, a shortage of skilled professionals, and the need for robust educational frameworks remain significant hurdles to fully realizing AI’s potential.
Russia’s AI Leadership and Indonesia’s Growth Ambitions
Russia is recognized as one of the world’s leading countries in AI research and development, with significant investments in areas such as healthcare, industry, and government. Prominent Russian universities and research institutions, including Moscow State University, the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, and Innopolis University, have been at the forefront of AI advancements. McKinsey’s 2022 report highlighted that Russia invested over USD 12 billion in AI development in 2022 alone, positioning the country as a critical player in the global AI ecosystem.
“Indonesia can learn a great deal from Russia’s experience in building a progressive AI ecosystem,” Ambassador Tavares noted. He emphasized the importance of fostering relationships with Russian companies that have successfully implemented AI solutions, as well as with leading Russian educational institutions that serve as centers of excellence in AI.
Strategic Collaborations and Capacity Building
During the meeting, several opportunities for strategic collaboration were discussed, including capacity building, infrastructure development, and enhancing human resource capabilities through technical training and professional development programs. These initiatives are designed to address the gaps in Indonesia’s AI landscape, particularly in terms of talent development and the establishment of a sustainable AI ecosystem.
KORIKA, Indonesia’s leading AI research and industry body, expressed strong support for the ambassador’s initiative. A representative from KORIKA remarked, “We believe this collaboration will open new opportunities to advance AI in Indonesia while strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.” The organization has long been at the forefront of AI innovation in Indonesia, aiming to create a conducive environment for research, development, and the practical application of AI technologies.
KORIKA’s efforts align with Indonesia’s broader vision of fostering technological innovation to drive economic growth and social progress. Through partnerships with universities, industries, and government bodies, KORIKA is working to build a more robust AI ecosystem that can generate jobs, promote innovation, and support the country’s digital transformation.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Future
The meeting between the Indonesian Embassy and KORIKA marks a significant step toward building a stronger AI collaboration between Indonesia and Russia. Both countries recognize the transformative potential of AI and are committed to leveraging their strengths in technology, education, and innovation to drive progress in this field.
For Indonesia, the partnership with Russia represents a unique opportunity to access cutting-edge AI research, gain valuable expertise, and fast-track the development of a world-class AI ecosystem. As the country continues to invest in its digital economy, collaboration with global leaders like Russia will be essential in realizing Indonesia’s ambitions to become a leading player in the AI landscape.
As AI continues to evolve, Indonesia’s focus on building a sustainable and inclusive AI ecosystem, supported by strong international collaborations, will be key to unlocking new growth opportunities and addressing the challenges of the future.