Indonesia has unveiled its Sahabat-AI sovereign AI initiative that aims to create open-source large language models (LLMs) tailored specifically for Indonesia’s 277 million speakers.
The initiative was launched at Indonesia AI Day, showcasing the country’s commitment to AI-driven digital independence.
Built using NVIDIA’s NeMo and NIM microservices, the Sahabat-AI models are designed to understand local context and enable the development of generative AI applications in Bahasa Indonesian and other local languages.
The collaboration embodies the Indonesian concept of gotong royong, which focuses on mutual assistance and community collaboration. It brings together government agencies, private enterprises, universities, and research centres.
“Artificial intelligence will democratise technology. It is the great equaliser. The technology is complicated but the benefit is not,” said Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA, who joined key Indonesian figures, including Minister for State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir and executives from major tech companies, to celebrate this milestone.
“Sahabat-AI is not just a technological achievement, it embodies Indonesia’s vision for a future where digital sovereignty and inclusivity go hand in hand. By creating an AI model that speaks our language and reflects our culture, we’re empowering every Indonesian to harness advanced technology’s potential,” said Vikram Sinha, President Director and CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH).
Far-reaching impact
Sahabat-AI is expected to have far-reaching implications across various sectors. In financial services, Accenture is collaborating with IOH to develop AI solutions tailored for Indonesian banks, aiming to increase profitability and operational efficiency.
For government services, Tech Mahindra is working on an AI chatbot powered by Sahabat-AI to assist with citizen and resident services, such as national ID card updates and tax inquiries.
In the healthcare sector, Hippocratic AI is utilising Sahabat-AI to create digital agents capable of humanlike conversations with patients, potentially increasing healthcare accessibility.
For on-demand services, tech firm GoTo is integrating Sahabat-AI into its AI voice assistant, Dira, to enhance user interactions for services such as ride-booking and food delivery.
By developing AI models that reflect the country’s language and culture, Indonesia is positioning itself at the forefront of AI innovation in Southeast Asia. The project aligns with the nation’s “Golden Indonesia 2045” vision, emphasising digital ecosystem development and sustainability.
Entelechy Asia 