Jakarta, INTI - The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Record of Discussions for the Next Generation AI Talent Factory Technical Cooperation Project at the Ministry’s headquarters in Central Jakarta on Monday, June 22, 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen Indonesia’s artificial intelligence (AI) talent ecosystem in support of child protection in the digital space, the fight against disinformation, and other national development priorities.
Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria described the agreement as a strategic step toward enhancing Indonesia’s AI workforce capabilities while deepening bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Japan in digital transformation.
“This collaboration reflects the strong friendship and strategic partnership between Indonesia and Japan, particularly in preparing our societies to thrive in the digital era,” Nezar said.
He noted that both countries share a common vision regarding the importance of developing sovereign AI technologies capable of delivering tangible benefits to society.
According to Nezar, rapid advancements in AI and ongoing geopolitical shifts make international collaboration increasingly important for strengthening national capabilities and accelerating technological innovation.
He emphasized the need for an equitable partnership between Indonesia and Japan in the development of strategic technologies.
“We aspire to build a more balanced partnership. This cooperation represents a valuable opportunity for both countries to explore and advance AI technologies that have become increasingly strategic in today’s world,” he said.
Nezar added that AI has emerged as a key factor influencing a nation’s economic competitiveness and shaping its future development trajectory.
“To seize these opportunities, we must invest in what matters most, our people,” he stated.
AI Talent Factory Program Expanded
Through the Next Generation AI Talent Factory initiative, Kemkomdigi and JICA will strengthen Indonesia’s AI talent development efforts through capacity building, knowledge exchange, institutional collaboration, and innovation programs tailored to national priorities.
Bonifasius Wahyu Pudjianto, Head of the Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM) at Kemkomdigi, explained that the AI Talent Factory is designed as a collaborative ecosystem connecting government institutions, universities, industry players, technology experts, and AI talents.
He said the program aims to create an integrated environment for learning, research, and innovation.
“Developing AI talent requires more than classroom-based education. It must extend far beyond traditional learning approaches,” Bonifasius remarked.
The AI Talent Factory program was first launched in 2025 and has already produced a range of AI-based solutions supporting Indonesia’s national development agenda.
In 2026, the initiative was expanded through partnerships with Brawijaya University, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), and Gadjah Mada University (UGM).
A total of 98 participants are involved in developing AI-driven solutions under the 2026 program.
Supporting Child Protection and Social Assistance Distribution
Participants are developing AI applications to strengthen child protection in digital environments and address disinformation, defamation, and online hate speech.
The program also supports the government’s Sekolah Rakyat initiative by leveraging AI technologies to enhance learning quality and educational outcomes.
In addition, participants are working on AI solutions for poverty mapping, social assistance distribution, and monitoring and analyzing issues across mainstream and social media platforms.
These innovations are expected to improve data-driven decision-making, increase the accuracy of social assistance targeting, and strengthen public communication strategies.
Bonifasius stressed that the signing of the cooperation agreement with JICA marks the beginning rather than the conclusion of Indonesia’s AI talent development journey.
“This is not the end of the process. In fact, it is the beginning of a new chapter that will be supported by JICA,” he said.
Through this partnership, Kemkomdigi and JICA aim to nurture a globally competitive generation of Indonesian AI professionals capable of developing solutions to national challenges while upholding security, responsibility, public interest, and Indonesia’s AI sovereignty.
Conclusion
The partnership between Kemkomdigi and JICA marks a significant step in strengthening Indonesia’s AI ecosystem through talent development, innovation, and international collaboration. By expanding the AI Talent Factory program, both organizations aim to cultivate globally competitive AI professionals capable of addressing national challenges while supporting responsible, secure, and sovereign AI development in Indonesia.
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