Jakarta, INTI - Universitas Brawijaya (UB), Malang, has marked a new milestone in Indonesia’s technological advancement. In a grand ceremony, the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, officially inaugurated the AI Center and Data Center at UB. This initiative positions UB as one of the first universities in Indonesia to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) hub within its campus environment.
In her speech, Meutya Hafid emphasized that the AI Center represents a strategic step toward supporting national development, particularly in the area of food security. “Today, we witness a groundbreaking achievement. The AI Center and Data Center at UB are expected to become hubs of AI innovation in Indonesia. One of the primary focuses we support is the application of AI to enhance food security, a national priority,” said Meutya.
AI Technology for Enhancing Food Security
Meutya Hafid underscored the critical role of artificial intelligence technology in helping Indonesia achieve self-sufficiency in food production. She highlighted AI’s ability to optimize the entire production chain, from agriculture to livestock, through data-driven approaches.
“Through this facility, AI technology can be applied to predict weather patterns, determine optimal planting schedules, and detect diseases in plants and animals early. This enables farmers and livestock breeders to improve their productivity and operational efficiency,” explained Meutya Hafid.
The Minister added that the government is ready to fully support educational institutions that contribute to Indonesia’s technological development. “Universitas Brawijaya is a strategic partner. We are proud of UB’s commitment to delivering innovations that have a direct impact on the broader community,” she added.
UB Rector: A Historic Day for Education and Technology in Indonesia
The Rector of Universitas Brawijaya, Prof. Widodo, hailed the inauguration as a monumental achievement for the university. According to him, the presence of the AI Center is not just a facility but a catalyst for young generations to innovate.
“The AI Center is expected to accelerate the development of digital talent in Indonesia. We are also grateful for the full support given by Minister Meutya Hafid to UB,” said Prof. Widodo.
Moving forward, Universitas Brawijaya plans to collaborate with various national and international partners to expand the benefits of artificial intelligence technology. The Rector stated that AI-based training programs will be a key focus in developing academic and research initiatives at UB.
“We are committed to nurturing competent talents who can compete globally. For that, we welcome collaborations with both domestic and international institutions,” he added.
AI Center: Cutting-Edge Facilities for Advanced Research
The AI Center at UB is equipped with state-of-the-art technology designed to support research and the development of AI applications. The priority sectors for development at the center include agriculture, livestock, and healthcare.
In agriculture, the AI Center facilitates the development of data-driven systems to monitor soil conditions, optimize water usage, and predict harvest yields. In livestock, the technology can detect diseases in animals early, minimizing financial losses for farmers.
Additionally, healthcare is another key focus. The AI Center aims to support the development of diagnostic technologies powered by artificial intelligence, enabling healthcare professionals to provide more accurate and efficient medical services.
Government Support for the Era of Artificial Intelligence
UB’s initiative aligns with the Indonesian government’s vision to strengthen digital resilience and enhance the nation’s competitiveness on a global scale. Minister Meutya Hafid emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, academia, and the private sector to accelerate the adoption of technology across various industries.
“At the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, we will continue to foster synergy between educational institutions and industry players. This is crucial to ensure that technological development not only occurs in laboratories but also has tangible benefits for society,” Meutya said.
UB’s Strategic Role in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
With the inauguration of the AI Center and Data Center, Universitas Brawijaya has solidified its position as one of Indonesia’s leading universities. This move underscores UB’s commitment to contributing to national development, particularly in sectors that require technology-based solutions.
The Rector of UB expressed optimism that the initiative will open more opportunities for students and researchers at the university. “We believe that this AI Center will not only benefit UB but also the entire nation. It is a small step toward significant change,” concluded Prof. Widodo.
With a spirit of collaboration and innovation, Universitas Brawijaya has become a pioneer in leveraging artificial intelligence technology to support national development. The inauguration of the AI Center is expected to inspire other educational institutions in Indonesia to follow suit, leading the nation into a more advanced, independent, and competitive era in artificial intelligence.