Microsoft Invests $1.7B to Improve AI, Cloud Infrastructure in Indonesia

Microsoft is continuing its investment in global AI with plans to invest $1.7 billion to support AI and cloud infrastructure in Indonesia.

The investments, spread over the next four years, will be used to improve the country’s digital infrastructure and meet the growing local demand for cloud computing services.

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

Microsoft announced its broader pledge to provide AI training opportunities for 2.5 million citizens from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by 2025.

The company plans to work with local governments and nonprofits to support training efforts.

Indonesia alone would receive training support for 840,000 people, with Microsoft supporting students through the AI TEACH for Indonesia program.

The company will also extend cybersecurity skills support for women via Ready4AI&Security, a Microsoft-founded program that offers participants free training and certification exams.

Microsoft also pledged to support local developers.

Indonesia is projected to be a top-five nation for users on GitHub by 2026, according to Microsoft, with the company committing to supporting the growing community through projects like AI Odyssey, which will teach AI skills to an estimated 10,000 Indonesian developers.

Related:Microsoft Invests $1.5B to Bring AI to the Middle East

The announcements were made at Microsoft Build: AI Day in Jakarta.

“Our investment sets a new milestone for Indonesia’s digital landscape,” said Dharma Simorangkir, Microsoft Indonesia’s president director. “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.”

Microsoft said its announcements will help support the Indonesian government’s Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision, which aims to improve the country’s economic standing.

“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,” said Budi Arie Setiadi, the Indonesian minister of communications and information technology.

Microsoft joins Nvidia in investing in Indonesia. The chipmaker recently announced it is building a $200 million AI center in the city of Surakarta, around eight hours from Jakarta.

Related:Microsoft Invests $2.9 Billion to Enhance Cloud, AI Infrastructure in Japan

Indonesia becomes the latest in a string of global expansions for Microsoft. In the past month, it has pledged to invest $2.9 billion in Japan and $1.5 billion in the Middle East through an investment in technology group G42.