Jakarta (ANTARA) - Communication and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi stated that Microsoft's investment in the development of cloud computing, data center, and artificial intelligence (AI) is a breath of fresh air for Indonesia in advancing digital technology.

"This is (a breath of) fresh air for Indonesia as a country that is highly taken into account in the global digital ecosystem," Setiadi remarked at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) Office here on Tuesday.

He explained that Microsoft is committed to investing US$1.7 billion, or equivalent to Rp27.6 trillion, and this has been announced by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella at the "Microsoft Build: Al Day Jakarta" event.

For Indonesia, this investment offers an advantage to prepare the digital ecosystem, especially for AI development, so that it can compete in the global arena, he remarked.

"Changes that occur in that world also concern other aspects of life. This is not only about GovTech but also other aspects like agriculture, fisheries, business, and digital economy. The collaboration with Microsoft can greatly help our digital transformation," Setiadi affirmed.

Earlier, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella had a meeting with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to present his investment plan in Indonesia.

During the meeting, President Jokowi supported Microsoft's investment plan in Indonesia in order to build a research center and shape digital talents.

"This is more about developing human resources, and this is important for Indonesia in order to move towards digital transformation," Minister Setiadi, who also accompanied President Jokowi at the meeting, remarked.

During the meeting, Nadella told President Jokowi that Microsoft will invest significantly in Indonesia over the next four years in AI development and cloud computing infrastructure as well as AI training for 840 thousand people.

Related news: Government ensures Microsoft to not regret investing in Indonesia
Related news: President Jokowi to receive visit of Microsoft CEO on Tuesday
Related news: Apple, Microsoft keen to invest in Indonesia: Deputy minister


Translator: Livia K, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2024