Sovereign AI Initiative: Empowering 277 Million Indonesian Speakers with NVIDIA and Partners

Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia has taken a significant step toward technological sovereignty with the launch of Sahabat-AI, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering the nation's 277 million speakers with localized artificial intelligence solutions. This ambitious project is the result of a collaborative effort involving global technology leader NVIDIA, key Indonesian technology firms, and the government, embodying the national spirit of "gotong royong"—mutual cooperation.

A Visionary Partnership for AI Sovereignty

The announcement was made during Indonesia AI Day, a pivotal event that showcased the nation's commitment to AI-driven digital transformation. NVIDIA Founder and CEO Jensen Huang joined prominent Indonesian leaders, including Minister for State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) CEO Vikram Sinha, and GoTo CEO Patrick Walujo, to unveil this initiative in Jakarta.

Sahabat-AI introduces a suite of open-source Indonesian large language models (LLMs), developed to address the unique linguistic and cultural nuances of the archipelago. The project leverages NVIDIA’s cutting-edge platforms like NeMo and NIM microservices, making these models adaptable for industries, academia, and government agencies.

“This initiative goes beyond technology—it represents Indonesia’s vision for a digitally sovereign and inclusive future,” said Vikram Sinha.

Bringing AI to the Local Context

Designed by Indonesians for Indonesians, Sahabat-AI caters to both Bahasa Indonesia and the nation’s rich array of regional languages. The localized LLMs enable the creation of generative AI services across diverse sectors, such as healthcare, education, and public services. NVIDIA CEO Huang emphasized that AI will act as "the great equalizer," democratizing access to advanced technology.

Accelerating AI Adoption with GPU Merdeka

A cornerstone of Sahabat-AI’s success is GPU Merdeka by Lintasarta, Indonesia’s first sovereign AI cloud. Launched earlier this year, this NVIDIA-accelerated cloud infrastructure operates from a sustainable BDx Indonesia AI data center powered by renewable energy.

IOH, a key player in the initiative, built the high-performance AI cloud in just three months with NVIDIA’s support. The infrastructure now powers various sectors, including energy, financial services, and healthcare, enabling faster, more efficient AI-driven transformations.

Key Partnerships Driving Innovation

NVIDIA's Cloud Partner Program has been instrumental in equipping Lintasarta with reference architectures and industry-specific blueprints for building scalable data centers. Collaborations with Accenture and Tech Mahindra further enhance the initiative:

• Accenture: The global consultancy is aiding in the development of AI solutions tailored for Indonesian enterprises. The focus is initially on financial services but will expand into energy and healthcare.
• Tech Mahindra: The firm supports chatbot services powered by Sahabat-AI, offering solutions for citizen queries about identification cards, tax rates, and government programs.

Transforming Healthcare and Everyday Life

The healthcare sector stands to benefit significantly. AI company Hippocratic AI is developing digital agents based on Sahabat-AI, which will provide empathetic and secure interactions for patients. Similarly, GoTo has integrated Sahabat-AI into its generative AI-powered digital assistant, Dira, enabling localized, culturally relevant user experiences in e-commerce and logistics.

A Sustainable Future with AI

Beyond technological innovation, the Sahabat-AI initiative aligns with Indonesia's vision for sustainability. The AI factory, powered by renewable energy, is a key step toward the nation’s Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, ensuring that the next wave of digital transformation is both inclusive and environmentally responsible.

By fostering collaboration between private entities, global technology leaders, and the government, Sahabat-AI serves as a model for sovereign AI initiatives worldwide. It underscores Indonesia’s potential to lead the region in digital innovation while preserving its unique cultural identity.