Jakarta, INTI – The development of the locally-made, "Laptop Merah Putih" continues to progress, with the latest version expected to feature artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The device, which is the result of collaboration between several top Indonesian universities, is targeted for release in 2026.
National Tech Initiative Aiming for Self-Sufficiency
The Laptop Merah Putih project was launched in 2021 by a consortium of five major public universities: ITB, UI, UGM, ITS, and Telkom University. The goal is to provide a high-quality, locally-produced laptop to support educational needs across Indonesia.
According to Adi Indrayanto, Project Coordinator from ITB, the laptop will be equipped with an AI accelerator, which is currently being developed by a dedicated domestic semiconductor team.
Still Using Imported Components, But TKDN Is Increasing
Although the initial production of this laptop still relies on some imported local content, the level (TKDN) has risen to around 35 percent and there is a gradual effort to produce more locally produced components.
The first components being developed include the motherboard, followed by efforts to manufacture the battery, charger, and laptop casing. Adi stated that one of the challenges of this local production is the high cost of manufacturing in Indonesia. However, several components have begun to be developed to reduce this dependency, such as the production of the motherboards, followed by the manufacturing of batteries, chargers, and laptop cases
Designed for Education, Supporting Students from Elementary to High School
The AI-enhanced laptop is specifically designed to support education, targeting use by elementary to high school students. Its built-in AI capabilities are expected to enhance the learning experience by providing more interactive and efficient educational tools.
The team is currently focused on building a prototype, expected to be completed by the end of 2025. To support ongoing research, funding proposals have been submitted to the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP).
A Synergy Between Academia and National Industry
Building on this momentum, the Laptop Merah Putih project further exemplifies Indonesia's commitment to advancing technological self-reliance. As a synergy between academic institutions and national industry, this initiative aims to foster a sustainable domestic tech ecosystem. The integration of AI into the device marks a significant leap toward the digital transformation of the country’s education sector, with full deployment targeted for 2026.
Conclusion
Laptop Merah Putih is a strong example of Indonesia’s commitment to technological independence. With AI integration and efforts to boost local production, the project has the potential to become a key foundation in advancing digital education across the nation.