Indosat, the Indonesia Technology Alliance (ITA), and the Tsinghua University Wuxi Research Institute of Applied Technologies (Tsinghua University) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an AI Application Cooperation Center in Indonesia.
This landmark collaboration, signed at Tsinghua University and witnessed by Parulian George Andreas Silalahi, Deputy Ambassador of the Indonesian Embassy to China, signals a decisive step in positioning Indonesia at the forefront of the AI era.
Announced during the 2025 China-ASEAN AI Ministerial Roundtable, the initiative goes beyond strengthening China–Indonesia cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI). It sets the stage for Indonesia to shape a dynamic AI ecosystem that fuels innovation, cultivates world-class talent, and reinforces the nation’s role as a regional leader in the digital economy.
The Application Cooperation Center will unite Tsinghua University’s leadership in applied technologies, ITA’s mission to accelerate Indonesia’s digital ecosystem, and Indosat’s role as the country’s leading digital telco, powered by Indonesia’s first sovereign AI factory. Together, the three organizations will focus on driving the practical application of AI across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture (food security)—areas central to Indonesia’s long-term development and digital inclusion.
This initiative comes at a pivotal moment for Indonesia. As the nation advances toward its Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, AI is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone for boosting productivity, enhancing public services, and driving innovation-led growth. Localizing AI solutions to Indonesia’s unique economic and social context will be essential to strengthening national competitiveness and ensuring that digital transformation benefits all Indonesians.
Building on this momentum, the collaboration is expected to pave the way for a potential strategic partnership between the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs (MoCDA) of the Republic of Indonesia, focused on developing AI capabilities for both countries.
Indosat’s involvement is particularly crucial. With one of the largest mobile customer bases and extensive nationwide infrastructure, Indosat is uniquely positioned to bring AI innovation from the lab into the daily lives of millions. From expanding access to digital healthcare, education, and agriculture to nurturing the next generation of local AI talent, Indosat will act as the bridge between advanced global research and Indonesia’s grassroots needs.
The AI Application Cooperation Center is scheduled to be ready early next year. It will serve as a hub for developing AI solutions with strong Indonesian characteristics, cultivating advanced local talent, and creating a bridge between global expertise and Indonesia’s digital transformation priorities.
This partnership not only showcases a new model of China–Indonesia technological collaboration but also reinforces Indonesia’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital economy for its people and the broader Southeast Asian region.
Nezar Patria, Vice Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia
This marks an important step toward Indonesia’s new technology era. We truly appreciate all parties who have made this collaboration possible. By combining expertise and resources, we can accelerate AI adoption in Indonesia and contribute to technological progress not only in the region, but also on the global stage.
Vikram Sinha, President Director and CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison
AI can help bridge the resource gaps that limit equal opportunities for Indonesians, particularly in healthcare, education, and agriculture. By working with Tsinghua University and ITA, we aim to bring localized, practical AI solutions to Indonesia while cultivating the next generation of AI talent. This partnership reflects our broader mission of empowering Indonesia.
Zhang Bo, Honorary Dean of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Tsinghua University
Tsinghua University began exploring artificial intelligence in 1978 and is among the pioneers of AI research in China. The wide-ranging applications of AI in education, healthcare, transportation, and finance advance educational equity and enable a more balanced distribution of medical resources. This collaboration with Indonesia will further deepen exchanges and technical cooperation between our two countries in the field of artificial intelligence.
Justisiari P. Kusumah, Chairman of Indonesia Technology Alliance (ITA)
ITA is committed to fostering collaboration that accelerates Indonesia’s digital transformation. This partnership demonstrates the power of combining government vision, industry expertise, and academic research to drive meaningful AI applications. By working together, we can ensure that AI development in Indonesia is inclusive, impactful, and aligned with the nation’s long-term aspirations.
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