Microsoft Investments Nearly IDR 28 Trillion In Indonesia, Apple Loses Far

Minister of Communication and Information Budi Arie Setiadi (photo: Dinda Buana/VOI)

JAKARTA - Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has revealed that Microsoft will invest US$1.7 billion or around Rp27.6 trillion, or 17 times more than Apple's investment in Indonesia.

In its announcement at the Microsoft Build: AI Day Jakarta event on Tuesday, April 30, Nadella said that this investment would be focused on developing artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technology in the country.

"In fact, what I am very excited about to announce today is the announcement of an expansion of data center investment of US$1.7 billion to present the latest and greatest AI infrastructure in Indonesia," said Nadella at the JCC.

At the same time but different locations, Minister of Communication and Information Budi Arie Setiadi said that this Microsoft investment is a breath of fresh air for Indonesia, where Indonesia is very much taken into account in the global digital ecosystem arena.

Budi also conveyed a message from President Joko Widodo stating the government's full readiness to provide support to Microsoft if there are things needed.

This investment is a collaboration between Microsoft and Indonesia within four years. Which also includes the construction of an AI research center which is planned to be built in Bali or the capital city of the archipelago (IKN).

Earlier also Satya Nadella told the president that AI helps the agricultural, fishery sector. This AI natural resources can be used more productively and optimally," added Budi.

Furthermore, the Minister of Communication and Information emphasized that collaboration with Microsoft could greatly help digital transformation. "Mr. President conveyed to Satya Nadella: the very important thing in Indonesia is digital transformation," he concluded.