Jakarta, INTI - PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom) is strengthening the development of the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem in Eastern Indonesia by optimizing the role of the AI Center in Makassar as a hub for innovation and digital talent development. This initiative aims to drive the creation of practical AI-based solutions while accelerating inclusive digital transformation across the country.
Strengthening AI Innovation Through Local Talent
During a recent working visit to the AI Center Makassar, Telkom’s Director of IT & Digital, Faizal Rochmad Djoemadi, directly reviewed the facilities and a range of innovations developed by local digital talents through project showcases and presentations. The visit also reflects Telkom’s commitment to providing a platform for local innovators to explore, enhance their capabilities, and expand their knowledge in AI technologies.
In his remarks, Faizal emphasized that AI is a strategic technology that must deliver tangible impact for public services and industry. He highlighted that meaningful innovation requires strong collaboration between technology companies, developer communities, and educational institutions to accelerate adoption and build an ecosystem that benefits society.
“The use of AI is not only about technology, but about how it can deliver real solutions to challenges faced by society and industry,” he stated.
Building a Comprehensive AI Ecosystem
As part of strengthening the ecosystem, AI Center Makassar operates under the AI Connect pillar within Telkom’s strategic AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE) initiative. This pillar is integrated with AI Campus, AI Playground, AI Hub, and AI Native to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem, ranging from research collaboration and talent development to real-world implementation across sectors. Through this platform, Telkom fosters an inclusive environment where local digital talents can collaborate, enhance their skills, and develop innovations aligned with industry and societal needs.
Several solutions presented include the use of machine learning for classifying Indonesia’s Standard Industrial Classification (KBLI), unsupervised learning models for school clustering to support educational funding recommendations, and deep learning applications for endoscopic image analysis to assist in identifying gastric diseases. These innovations demonstrate the potential of AI and data-driven technologies in supporting strategic decision-making and improving service quality across sectors.
Faizal also expressed appreciation for the capabilities of local digital talents, noting their strong potential to develop innovations that go beyond experimentation and are ready for practical implementation. Strengthening cross-ecosystem collaboration is key to scaling these innovations at a national level and delivering sustainable value.
“Indonesia’s digital talents have extraordinary potential to create relevant and applicable AI-based solutions. With the right collaboration, these innovations can significantly improve efficiency and service quality across various sectors,” he added.
The program also included interactive discussions with digital talents and technology communities in Makassar, addressing opportunities and challenges in implementing AI in real-world settings. This forum serves as a collaborative platform to strengthen synergy in advancing AI-driven innovation.
Through these initiatives, Telkom remains optimistic that the AI Center Makassar will continue to grow as a key collaboration hub in Eastern Indonesia. Moving forward, the facility is expected to nurture resilient and adaptive digital talents while generating impactful AI innovations that support the acceleration of Indonesia’s national digital transformation.
Conclusion
The development of AI Center Makassar highlights Telkom’s strategic role in advancing AI adoption beyond major urban centers, ensuring more inclusive digital transformation across Indonesia. By fostering collaboration, empowering local talent, and promoting real-world AI applications, this initiative is set to become a key driver of innovation and sustainable digital growth in Eastern Indonesia.
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