Microsoft to invest US$1.7 billion in ID for AI and cloud infrastructure

Tech giant Microsoft will invest US$1.7 billion over the next four years in new cloud and AI infrastructure in Indonesia, as well as AI skilling opportunities for 840,000 people as it supports the nation's growing developer community. 

Together, these initiatives will help achieve the Indonesian government’s Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision, which aims to transform the nation into a global economic powerhouse, it said in a statement. 

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“This new generation of AI is reshaping how people live and work everywhere, including in Indonesia,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft. “The investments we are announcing today – spanning digital infrastructure, skilling, and support for developers – will help Indonesia thrive in this new era.” 

Nadella explained the critical role of developers in harnessing AI to fulfill Indonesia’s potential as a digital economy.

Microsoft will also continue to help foster the growth of the country’s developer community through new initiatives such as AI Odyssey, which is expected to help 10,000 Indonesian developers become AI subject matter experts by learning new skills and earning Microsoft credentials.  

“Indonesia’s collaboration with Microsoft on AI perfectly aligns with our ambition for a future driven by digital innovation," said Budi Arie Setiadi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of the Republic of Indonesia.

"I am confident this partnership will open up new horizons for Indonesia, positioning us not only as consumers of technology but as pivotal contributors to the global technological supply chain,” he said.

“Our investment sets a new milestone for Indonesia’s digital landscape. We aim to empower Indonesians with the infrastructure and skills needed for the AI era, aligning with our national vision for digital prowess. It’s a crucial step towards making Indonesia a hub for digital talent and innovation,” added Dharma Simorangkir, president director of Microsoft Indonesia.

The digital infrastructure investment builds on Microsoft’s Berdayakan Indonesia (Empower Indonesia) initiative, announced in February 2021, to accelerate inclusive economic growth. This included plans to establish the company’s first datacenter region in the country. 

The investment announced today will enable Microsoft to meet the growing demand for cloud computing services in Indonesia. It will also allow Indonesia to capitalise on the significant economic and productivity opportunities presented by the latest AI technology. 

Microsoft today also announced a broader commitment to provide AI skilling opportunities for 2.5 million people in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states by 2025.

This training and support will be delivered in partnership with governments, nonprofit and corporate organisations, and communities in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

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