Strengthening Artificial Intelligence (AI) In Indonesia, Telkom With IBM Strengthens Strategic Partnerships

Photo: Doc. Telkom

Responding to the challenges of technological developments and the need for Artificial Intelligence (AI) or artificial intelligence services that continue to increase in Indonesia, PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom) is establishing strategic cooperation with PT IBM Indonesia (IBM), a global technology provider company, through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Strategic Director of Portfolio Telkom Budi Setyawan Wijaya and IBM President Director Roy Kosasih, some time ago.

The MoU between Telkom and IBM is focused on collaboration to provide innovative Artificial Intelligence services and according to market needs in Indonesia, as well as accelerating Telkom's development and capacity building in the AI sector. Strategic Director of Portfolio Telkom Budi Setyawan Wijaya explained that Telkom and IBM's strategic partnership is one of TelkomGroup's efforts to strengthen TelkomGroup's capabilities as the main choice digital telco in Indonesia, especially in the AI sector.

"The future adoption of AI technology will increase rapidly in line with the stronger digital transformation campaign in Indonesia, as well as the need to increase efficiency and productivity in the business and government segments," he said, in a written statement, Monday, January 13.

In the 2024 IDC (International Data Corporation) research related to Worldwide AI and Creative AI Lending Guide, AI and Gen AI investments in the Asia Pacific region are projected to reach 110 billion US dollars in 2028, with CAGR 24 percent from 2023 and 2024. Specifically in Indonesia, research from Kearney shows that the use of AI will contribute USD 366 billion to the Indonesian economy by 2030.

Based on the latest "APAC AI Outlook 2025" by Ecosystm, it was found that companies in Asia Pacific have moved from the AI experimental stage and are starting to focus on maximizing the impact of AI investment. More than half (54 percent) now expects AI to provide long-term benefits to their businesses, such as in terms of innovation or increased revenue.

The collaboration between Telkom's infrastructure and technology as well as IBM's AI capability can be a comprehensive solution to the market in Indonesia. IBM, with its AI capabilities, through WatsonX technology, IBM Cloud Pak for Data, AI-Powered Security, as well as IoT-based services is believed to be able to strengthen the capabilities and portfolio of TelkomGroup services.

In addition, IBM's approach to developing human-centered AI and ethical principles for data governance will help Telkom build customer confidence in Telkom's AI technology. These principles explain that the purpose of AI is to improve human intelligence, the insights generated from data belong to its creator, and new technologies such as AI must be transparent, explainable, and free from potentially harmful biases, so that it can be trusted by the wider community.

IBM Indonesia President Director Roy Kosasih said his party is ready to collaborate with Telkom with our expertise in AI ethics and an in-depth understanding of various industries to help transform technology in developing the Indonesian economy.

"We all have a responsibility to ensure that AI does not only open up various opportunities but is also a contribution to the future with equitable welfare," he said.

This strategic collaboration between Telkom and IBM is expected to support the government's efforts to accelerate Indonesia's economic growth through AI technology that can encourage innovation, increase productivity and efficiency, and increase the nation's competitiveness in the world's digital economy.