Telkomsel and Bali Government Launch 'AI for Education' Ecosystem

Telkomsel, in collaboration with the Bali Provincial Government, Gasing Academy, Kuncie, and local education stakeholders, has introduced a digital learning ecosystem powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance numeracy skills among teachers and students. The ‘AI for Education’ initiative is designed to ensure every child can learn mathematics in an easy-to-understand manner while building self-confidence. Beyond mere arithmetic, numeracy is seen as a foundation for reasoning, understanding information, problem-solving, and daily decision-making. This collaboration aligns with the fourth Asta Cita of the Indonesian President, focusing on strengthening human resource development, science, technology, education, health, and gender equality. The ecosystem begins with improving teacher competency through the Gasing Academy, which employs a ‘Gampang, Asyik, Menyenangkan’ (Easy, Fun, Enjoyable) approach. Student learning is then reinforced through Sacred Octagon, an AI-supported game-based platform that helps children practise mathematics interactively and progressively. A ‘Skul Pintar’ platform is also being prepared to support learning and assessment, with programme results designed to be monitored through data for continuous evaluation and refinement. Telkomsel’s President Director, Nugroho, stated that numeracy is more than just counting; it is the foundation for thinking, understanding problems, and making decisions. He emphasised that the collaboration aims to give more children the opportunity to learn, try, and ultimately believe in their own success, starting from Bali to build a smarter, more confident generation. Bali Governor Wayan Koster noted that the programme supports the province’s commitment to developing superior human resources, as numeracy skills shape a generation accustomed to logical thinking, data-driven work, and adaptability. The initiative positions teachers at the centre of the learning process, with AI serving as a tool to help educators provide experiences tailored to students’ development, rather than replacing the guidance, empathy, and understanding that teachers offer. Yohanes Surya, the creator of the Gasing Method, remarked that no child is unintelligent, only that some have not had the opportunity to learn from good teachers and effective methods. He explained that Gasing presents mathematics in a simple, gradual, and enjoyable way, fostering teacher confidence and reducing students’ fear of trying. Telkomsel and INA AI had previously introduced a Bundling Package for Sacred Octagon through the MyTelkomsel and by.U apps to expand access to digital numeracy learning for Indonesian families. This collaboration in Bali is further strengthened through local government involvement, educator competency enhancement, student learning, and phased programme evaluation.