KONTAN.CO.ID - JAKARTA. Microsoft, the American tech giant, has pledged to invest $1.7 billion in Indonesia, equivalent to approximately 27.59 trillion Indonesian Rupiah (exchange rate IDR 16,232).

Budi Arie Setiadi, the Minister of Communication and Information Technology, stated that Microsoft's investment is a breath of fresh air for Indonesia.

He further elaborated that another advantage of this investment is that it makes Indonesia a part of the global digital ecosystem. This is particularly significant as artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to play a crucial role in the future.

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For instance, AI can assist in sectors such as agriculture and fisheries. With AI, resources can be utilized more productively and to their maximum potential.

"Microsoft is committed to investing $1.7 billion, nearly IDR 28 trillion over four years, to develop AI and cloud in Indonesia," Budi Arie announced at a press conference at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology office on Tuesday (30/4).

In addition, Budi Arie added that Microsoft plans to cultivate 840,000 AI-specific digital talents in Indonesia over four years, or approximately 210,000 digital talents annually.

Following a meeting between Microsoft's CEO and President Jokowi, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology will detail everything with the Microsoft team. "This collaboration with Microsoft can greatly assist Indonesia in its digital transformation," Budi Arie stated.

Meanwhile, Microsoft conveyed that these initiatives will help achieve the Indonesian government's Golden Indonesia Vision 2045. This vision aims to transform Indonesia into a global economic powerhouse.

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Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, stated that the investments announced today (which include digital infrastructure, skills, and support for developers) will help Indonesia thrive in this new era.

"This new generation of AI is changing the way people live and work everywhere, including in Indonesia," said Satya Nadella.

Dharma Simorangkir, President Director of Microsoft Indonesia, stated that Microsoft aims to empower the Indonesian people with the infrastructure and skills needed in the AI era, in line with Microsoft's national vision for digital proficiency.

"This is a significant step towards making Indonesia a hub of digital talent and innovation," Dharma declared.

Editor: Syamsul Azhar