Indosat, a leading telecommunications company in Indonesia, is making significant strides in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the nation’s higher education system. By collaborating with Indonesian universities and global institutions, Indosat has launched an initiative aimed at fostering AI-driven learning and research across university campuses nationwide. This endeavor reflects a growing recognition of the need for digital skills in the workforce, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Addressing the Skills Gap
This initiative is particularly timely, given the findings from the Empowering Indonesia Report 2025, which revealed a concerning gap in AI and STEM graduates. Out of an anticipated 11 million university graduates in 2024, less than 25% are expected to come from AI-related or STEM disciplines. In contrast, the majority of graduates are projected to emerge from humanities and business (39%), medical studies (15%), and engineering (15%). Moreover, current AI-specific programs are scarce, yielding fewer than 1,000 graduates annually, raising challenges in preparing Indonesia’s workforce for an increasingly AI-centric economy.
Government’s Role in Innovation
“The government is present to ensure that every citizen has equal opportunities to grow. Collaboration with industries such as Indosat reflects the government’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of technologies that open new avenues for innovation, both for the academic community and students,” stated Mohammad Fauzan Adziman, Director General of Research and Development at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. He emphasized the importance of research and development aimed at addressing real societal challenges and creating a positive impact.
Bridging Industry and Academia
Through initiatives like the AI Day events, Indosat is working to strengthen the bond between universities and industry. These events create platforms for knowledge exchange and aim to enhance the use of AI in both academic research and educational processes. Indosat believes that this collaboration will equip Indonesian graduates with the skills necessary to compete in the global digital economy.
Promoting Inclusive Education
“Indonesia AI Day for Higher Education is a tangible manifestation of Indosat’s commitment to enabling inclusive access to educational technology across the nation. Through this initiative, Indosat strives to demonstrate that technology can serve as a bridge toward borderless learning,” remarked Muhammad Buldansyah, Director & Chief Business Officer of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison. He highlighted the potential for unlocking opportunities for the younger generation in an era defined by artificial intelligence.
A Forward-Looking Curriculum
Indosat’s academic initiative aims to introduce a digital-first approach in educational settings, showcasing how AI can enhance learning outcomes and research productivity. This aligns with broader efforts to encourage the development of AI and digital skills, ensuring university curricula are realigned with emerging industry needs as Indonesia sets its sights on achieving digital transformation goals by 2045.
The push for integrating AI into higher education not only seeks to address the current skills gap but also positions Indonesia as a competitive player in the global digital landscape. By fostering collaboration between industry and academia, Indosat is paving the way for a future where technology enhances educational accessibility and prepares a workforce ready to meet the challenges of an AI-driven world.
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