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Microsoft has an Asia-Pacific research and development center that is hoped to also be established in Indonesia.

President Joko Widodo received a delegation from Microsoft at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. The meeting discussed cooperation between Microsoft and the Indonesian government in the development of human resources and technology, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

"We've discussed with the President about the development of human resources and the establishment of a joint research center between Microsoft and the Indonesian government, especially in shaping digital talent, particularly in the field of AI, including opening a research center in Indonesia," said Minister of Communication and Information Technology Budi Arie Setiadi in a press release following the meeting as reported on the presidentri.go.id website.

Budi explained that Microsoft has an Asia-Pacific Research and Development Center which is hoped to also be established in Indonesia. This is expected to support the Indonesian government in building smart cities in the National Capital (IKN).

"Microsoft has the Asia Pacific Research and Development Center. The President requested that one of them be built in Indonesia, the location is up to them, there are several areas, including in IKN, Bali, that's the offer," said Budi.

In addition, Budi conveyed that the meeting discussed the development of AI technology in the fields of agriculture and fisheries in Indonesia. Budi mentioned that President Jokowi continues to support cooperation between Microsoft and the Indonesian government.

"We also talked about the development of technology for agriculture, farming, fisheries that require technology development, especially AI. We believe that with the combination of technology and Indonesia's strengths, we can become a developed country," he said.

At the same time, President Director of Microsoft Indonesia Dharma Simorangkir explained that the meeting also discussed Microsoft's commitment to business development and technology investment in Indonesia. Regarding research development in Indonesia, Dharma said they will follow up on it.

"Mr. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, has met with the President to convey our commitment to Microsoft's business development and technology investment in Indonesia," said Dharma.

"For development, including what the President mentioned about research development, we will follow up on it," he continued. (IN)