Kemkomdigi and JICA Forge Partnership to Develop AI Talent
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is strengthening cooperation in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) talent to support child protection in digital spaces, the handling of disinformation, and various national development priorities.
This collaboration was formalised through the signing of the Record of Discussions for the Next Generation AI Talent Factory Technical Cooperation Project at the Ministry of Communication and Digital office in Central Jakarta on Monday.
Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria, stated that this cooperation is a strategic step in strengthening Indonesia’s AI talent capacity while deepening the partnership between Indonesia and Japan in the field of digital transformation.
“The cooperation we are undertaking today reflects the strong friendship and strategic partnership between Indonesia and Japan, particularly in preparing our society to thrive in the digital era,” said Neдрав.
Amidst the rapid development of AI and ever-changing global geopolitical dynamics, both nations view this collaboration as a vital foundation for strengthening national capacity and accelerating innovation.
“We desire a more equal partnership. I believe this is an excellent cooperation that we are striving to strengthen between Japan and Indonesia to explore and develop this highly strategic AI technology,” he added.
Therefore, investment in human resources must be a top priority so that Indonesia does not merely become a user of technology, but is also capable of developing AI solutions tailored to national needs.
“To realise this opportunity, we must invest in the most important element, which is our human resources,” he emphasised.
Through the Next Generation AI Talent Factory, Kemkomdigi and JICA will strengthen the development of Indonesian AI talent through capacity building, knowledge exchange, institutional collaboration, and the development of innovation based on national requirements.
According to him, AI talent development requires real-world experience that allows participants to transform knowledge into solutions that can provide an impact on society.
“Developing AI talent requires more than just classroom learning. It should be much broader than that,” he noted.
Since its implementation in 2025, the AI Talent Factory programme has shown tangible results through the development of various AI-based solutions to support national development priorities.
In 2026, the programme will be expanded through collaboration with Brawijaya University, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, and Gadjah Mada University, involving 98 participants.
These various solutions utilise AI technology to support data-driven decision-making, improve the quality of learning, strengthen child protection, increase the accuracy of social assistance programmes, and support more effective public communication strategies.
Bonifasius emphasised that the signing of the cooperation with JICA is not the end of the ongoing process, but rather the beginning of a new phase in strengthening the national AI talent ecosystem.
“This is not the conclusion of the process, but actually the beginning of this chapter, which will be assisted by JICA,” he revealed.
Through this cooperation, Kemkomdigi and JICA are driving the acceleration of a generation of Indonesian AI talent that is globally competitive, capable of building solutions for various national challenges, and supporting the realisation of Indonesian AI sovereignty through the use of safe, responsible, and community-oriented technology.