Indonesia is leading the way in developing a digital economy, transforming the country into a digital powerhouse in Southeast Asia. The government is committed to revolutionizing the digital landscape through the ‘Making Indonesia 4.0’ roadmap, which focuses on innovation, infrastructure, and advanced technologies in key sectors. Initiatives like the ‘100 Smart Cities’ program and the ‘National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (2020-2045)’ demonstrate Indonesia’s dedication to improving digital capabilities nationwide to facilitate inclusive economic growth.
In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review Asia, Vikram Sinha, President Director and Chief Executive Officer of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat), delved into Indosat’s transformative journey towards becoming an AI-TechCo. As Indonesia envisions a prosperous future through its Golden Vision 2045 plan, Indosat aims to redefine connectivity, focusing on digital transformation across various sectors—from AI-driven solutions in network infrastructure to cybersecurity resilience and talent development. Through strategic partnerships, innovative services, and AI-powered initiatives, Indosat is committed to enhancing Indonesia’s digital economy, supporting industrywide innovation, and empowering communities across the nation.
In what ways does IOH believe its AI-driven initiatives will contribute to Indonesia’s Golden Vision 2045 plan?
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat or IOH) is transforming into an AI-technology company to boost operational efficiency and drive business development. This transformation aligns with Indonesia's Golden Vision 2045 and is guided by five strategic initiatives outlined in the Empowering Indonesia 2024 report. These initiatives aim to harness AI’s potential to drive the growth of secondary cities, enhance the digital economy in rural areas, empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), advance agricultural technology, and promote women's empowerment, all contributing to inclusive economic growth and digital transformation.
How are Indosat’s key growth pillars redefining traditional telecom business models, and what innovative strategies are you implementing to drive this transformation forward?
The transformation strategy from a telecommunications company (Telco) to an AI-TechCo emphasizes technological innovation, service diversification, and an improved customer experience. This transition involves the development and integration of advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and other related innovations. Furthermore, the business transformation aims to expand enterprise services, particularly in B2B solutions such as cloud services, cybersecurity, and IoT-based offerings.
What are the most significant challenges Indosat faces in transitioning from a traditional telecom provider to an AI-TechCo, and how is Indosat addressing these challenges to ensure a smooth and successful transformation?
Indosat is transforming from a traditional telecom provider into an AI-TechCo, integrating AI into its core strategy and operations to boost innovation and efficiency. By reshaping its business model, Indosat is diversifying its services beyond telecommunications into sectors such as digital finance, e-commerce, and health tech. This approach pushes the boundaries of traditional telecom, positioning Indosat at the forefront of technological advancements to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.
Driven by ever-changing market trends, Indosat is committed to continual adaptation and sustainable innovation. With the spirit of Gotong Royong, the company forges collaborations with like-minded partners to realize Indonesia's vision of becoming a leader in sovereign AI technology.
How is IOH’s AI strategy integrating with its current network infrastructure, and what innovative solutions are being used to ensure a seamless transition from Telco to AI-TechCo?
Indosat is expanding its network coverage to secondary and remote areas of Eastern Indonesia, thereby enhancing infrastructure efficiency. The company is also improving its network infrastructure by launching the Digital Intelligence Operations Center (DIOC), which combines the capabilities of both the Network Operations Center (NOC) and the Service Operations Center (SOC).
Key strategies involve partnerships with global technology leaders such as NVIDIA, Microsoft, Google, and Huawei, alongside the launch of the AI Experience Center in Solo. The GPU Merdeka platform, which offers GPU-as-a-Service, provides high-performance computing solutions for businesses, facilitating seamless AI adoption across various industries.
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How is IOH reimagining its workforce to align with its AI-Native vision, and what unique training and development strategies are being implemented?
Indosat is reimagining its approach to align with its AI-native vision by creating opportunities for individuals to enhance their career prospects. Through initiatives like the IDCamp program, Indosat is committed to nurturing digital talent in Indonesia. In 2024, IDCamp introduced a new learning path focused on AI, designed to equip participants with foundational knowledge in areas such machine learning (ML), deep learning, and generative AI (GenAI). This initiative supports our broader mission to empower Indonesia by fostering innovative AI-based solutions applicable across various industries.
What are the goals IOH has set for its AI transformation, and how are these goals pushing the boundaries of traditional telecom capabilities?
Indosat's primary focus is to deliver an exceptional experience to customers throughout Indonesia. By leveraging AI, Indosat can offer more personalized and responsive services. Through in-depth data analysis, the company develops AI solutions that accurately understand customer needs, enabling the provision of tailored products and services.
Artificial intelligence technology significantly enhances performance and operational efficiency, reducing task completion times from one day to just 10 minutes. This integration allows Indosat to transcend basic connectivity, offering intelligent, data-driven solutions that bridge the digital divide and ensure access to technology for all segments of society.
By pushing the boundaries of traditional telecommunications, Indosat is evolving into a provider of innovative solutions. The company is committed to ensuring that technological advancements positively impact social well-being and the environment, empowering Indonesia with advanced devices and technologies for digital progress.
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AI Day and Cyber Security
How are Indosat’s AI initiatives fostering innovation and collaboration across industries, and what measurable impact have these efforts had on efficiency and customer experience?
Indosat’s AI initiatives, particularly through Indonesia AI Day 2024, are driving innovation and collaboration across industries by creating a platform for key stakeholders, technology experts, and business leaders to explore AI’s transformative potential. The event brought together global and local leaders, including NVIDIA Founder and CEO Jensen Huang and Accenture Chair and CEO Julie Sweet, who shared insights on Indonesia’s path to AI sovereignty and the expansive opportunities AI offers for the nation’s digital economy. This convergence of brilliant minds fostered discussions and partnerships that pushed the boundaries of AI integration in finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and more.
By encouraging AI-driven solutions, Indosat aims to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and elevate customer experiences, strengthening Indonesia’s digital economy. Indonesia AI Day emphasizes the country’s AI sovereignty, offering a blueprint for sustainable AI adoption tailored to local needs and regulations. The measurable impact is evident in enhanced service delivery, operational efficiency, and greater customer satisfaction, all contributing to a more dynamic and resilient digital ecosystem in Indonesia.
What cybersecurity strategies is Indosat implementing to safeguard its digital ecosystem, and how is it ensuring data protection and resilience against emerging cyber threats?
To protect against digital threats, Indosat offers a digital security service called IMSecure. This data security solution is specifically designed to safeguard customers from various digital risks, including identity theft and cyberattacks.
In collaboration with Kominfo and Mastercard, Indosat has launched an online academy program through the Digital Talent Scholarship (DTS), with the goal of training one million individuals to enhance their practical skills in cybersecurity. This initiative focuses on building foundational knowledge and practical expertise in cybersecurity for individuals and small businesses, aiming to strengthen Indonesia's digital ecosystem.
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