The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Talent Factory to develop AI talent capable of creating original, homegrown solutions and products. Universitas Brawijaya (UB) became the first university to host the launch of this initiative.
UB Rector Prof. Widodo emphasized the importance of this initiative to ensure that Indonesia does not remain dependent on foreign products indefinitely.
“Almost all AI products currently used by the public come from abroad. In fact, Indonesian youth are fully capable of developing their own. Through this program, we hope not only to use foreign products, but also to utilize AI solutions created by our own nation’s talents,” said Widodo at Universitas Brawijaya in Malang, East Java, on Thursday (August 21, 2025).
Head of the Human Resources Development Agency of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Bonifasius Wahyu Pudjianto, highlighted the urgent demand for digital talent in Indonesia.
“We have calculated the digital talent needs for the next five years through 2030. The shortage reaches approximately 453,000 per year. This paradox is striking. We must shift the workforce from blue-collar to white-collar roles,” he stated.
The AI Talent Factory is designed to produce advanced-level talent, rather than merely offering basic training.