Microsoft's Promises Behind Jumbo Investments for Indonesia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - U.S. tech giant Microsoft is confirmed to invest in Indonesia over the next four years, with a focus on developing artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. The capital to be deployed is valued at a whopping $1.7 billion or Rp27.65 trillion, assuming an exchange rate of Rp16,279.

This marks the largest single investment in the 29-year history of Microsoft in Indonesia, according to Dharma Simorangkir, the President Director of Microsoft Indonesia.

“Our investment marks a new milestone for Indonesia's digital landscape, in line with Indonesia's vision for digital competency,” he said in a written statement on Tuesday, April 30.

Microsoft made the announcement at the Microsoft Build: AI Day event held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) Senayan. Microsoft Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Satya Nadella, met with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 30, to discuss the investment.

In addition to developing smart technology and data infrastructure, the investment will also be used for various things. Here are a number of Microsoft's plans behind its jumbo capital:

AI Training for 840,000 People

According to its official statement, Microsoft is committed to providing AI training to 2.5 million people in ASEAN by 2025. The training will be distributed through partnerships with governments, organizations, and corporations, as well as the digital community. Neighboring countries, such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, receive similar benefits.

Of the 2.5 million potential AI talents, Indonesia will receive a training quota for 840,000 people. Microsoft will enhance AI skills for vocational high school students through the AI TEACH for Indonesia program.

Cyber Career Development 

Microsoft will also provide opportunities and support for women to build careers in cybersecurity through the Ready 4 AI & Security program. The company will hold AI proficiency training for youth workforce and communities and digital technology skills training for employees of non-profit organizations.

Building Developer Community 

Furthermore, Microsoft is committed to supporting and encouraging the growth of the IT developer community in Indonesia through new initiatives, such as AI Odyssey, which aims to help more than 10,000 local developers become experts of artificial intelligence. Participants who pass the program will be eligible to receive a Microsoft credential certificate.

ALIF ILHAM FAJRIADI

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