President Jokowi Offers Microsoft To Build Research Center At IKN

The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi). (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) offered Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella for human resource development and research center development in the capital city of Nusantara (IKN).

This was conveyed by the Minister of Communication and Information (Menkominfo) Budi Arie Setiadi after accompanying President Jokowi who received a visit from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella at the Jakarta Presidential Palace, today.

"Earlier, we spoke with the President (Jokowi) about developing human resources and building a joint research center between Microsoft and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. We offer several places, namely in Bali, IKN. Including, assisting the Indonesian government in smart city development at IKN," Budi said as quoted from the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube, Tuesday, April 30.

According to Budi, Satya shows his interest in collaborating in human resource development and building research centers between Microsoft and the Indonesian government, especially in encouraging the formation of digital talent, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

Later, said Budi, the construction of research centers will also support the development of various sectors. One example is related to the agricultural technology (agritech) system in agriculture and fisheries that requires technological developments, especially AI.

Budi also welcomed Satya's interest in investing in developing artificial intelligence technology in the country which will be given in various forms of investment.

"There are many kinds of things, one of which is (investing) building research centers. Right, the important thing is research centers. The most important issue is for Indonesia's digital transformation, the key is people too, human capital. Don't underestimate it. Development is not just physical, the development of human capital is important," he said.

In addition, Budi continued that Jokowi also encouraged Microsoft to help build the Asia Pacific Research and Development Center to be presented in Indonesia.

"The place to be built will be up to you. There are several places, including in IKN, in Bali the offer. (The realization) as soon as possible, this will be followed up later," he said.

Furthermore, said Budi, Satya conveyed to the President the amount of Microsoft's investment value which is the largest single investment value in the history of Microsoft's 29 years business activities in Indonesia.

Even so, Budi has not been able to reveal how much Microsoft's investment value is.

"They want to print 840,000 AI-specific digital talents in Indonesia in four years, which means 210,000 a year. It's amazing, right, if we have young people who have skills and talent about AI. At least Indonesia has adequate human resources, not only become consumers in the global ecosystem," he added.