Nvidia Backs Sahabat-AI Development in Indonesia, Says GoTo CEO Patrick Walujo

Sahabat-AI: Indonesia’s Revolutionary AI Project Powered by nvidia

indonesia is stepping into the future of artificial intelligence with Sahabat-AI, an innovative AI engine crafted to meet the linguistic and cultural needs of its diverse population. This enterprising initiative, a partnership between Indosat and Nvidia, promises to transform how Indonesians engage with technology in their everyday lives.

Nvidia’s Commitment to Sahabat-AI

Patrick Walujo, President Director of PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia, recently announced Nvidia’s strong interest in supporting Sahabat-AI’s development. This commitment was solidified during a meeting between Walujo and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. “I just received a message from Jensen yesterday that nvidia now wants to further support the development of Sahabat-AI,” Walujo shared at the Indonesia PE-VC Summit on January 16, 2025.

Nvidia’s involvement brings cutting-edge AI technology to the project, enhancing Sahabat-AI’s ability to understand Indonesian and regional languages while reflecting the cultural intricacies of the archipelago.

What Makes Sahabat-AI Unique?

Sahabat-AI is a locally tailored AI solution built on Nvidia’s advanced AI platform. It addresses the practical and cultural needs of Indonesians,offering solutions that are both relevant and accessible. The initial rollout will include large language models (LLMs) with 8 billion and 9 billion parameters,demonstrating its powerful computational capabilities.

“We take it very seriously. We are slowly integrating some of these initiatives into our daily operations,” Walujo emphasized, underscoring the strategic value of this collaboration.

A Collaborative Effort

The creation of Sahabat-AI is a joint endeavor involving key players like GoTo Gojek tokopedia and Indosat.This partnership aims to deliver an AI system that not only meets technological standards but also aligns with Indonesia’s cultural and linguistic diversity.

Merdeka GPUs and Sovereign AI

Sahabat-AI’s development includes the use of Merdeka GPUs,a nod to Indonesia’s push for technological independence. This initiative supports the nation’s vision of sovereign AI, ensuring that the technology is developed and managed locally.

Cultural Relevance and Regional languages

One of Sahabat-AI’s standout features is its ability to understand and process regional languages, making it accessible to a broader audience. This localization ensures that the AI resonates with the cultural nuances of indonesia’s diverse population.

Looking Ahead

The future of Sahabat-AI looks promising, with plans to expand its capabilities and reach. This initiative is set to play a pivotal role in Indonesia’s digital conversion,offering innovative solutions that cater to the nation’s unique needs.

How Does Sahabat-AI’s localization Enhance Its Effectiveness and Accessibility for Indonesians?

By focusing on localization, Sahabat-AI ensures that its solutions are not only effective but also accessible to Indonesians across the country. This approach bridges the gap between technology and culture, making AI a practical tool for everyday life.

Sahabat-AI: Revolutionizing Indonesia’s AI Landscape with Localized Solutions

Indonesia’s artificial intelligence (AI) landscape is undergoing a transformative shift with the introduction of Sahabat-AI, a groundbreaking initiative designed to cater to the unique cultural and linguistic diversity of the nation. By integrating advanced global technologies with local expertise, Sahabat-AI is set to redefine how AI systems interact with and serve the Indonesian population.

A Collaborative Effort

Sahabat-AI is the result of a strategic partnership between Indosat, GoTo, and Nvidia, supported by leading academic institutions and media organizations. The project leverages Nvidia’s cutting-edge AI Enterprise software, including NVIDIA NeMo, to train and refine its models. Universities such as the University of Indonesia, Gadjah Mada University, Bandung Institute of Technology, and Bogor Agricultural Institute are contributing their research and expertise to ensure the system’s accuracy and relevance.

Media giants like Republika and Kompas Gramedia are also playing a pivotal role in aligning the AI system with Indonesia’s cultural and societal nuances.This unique blend of global technology and local innovation aims to create an AI solution that resonates deeply with the Indonesian peopel.

Merdeka GPUs and Sovereign AI

At the heart of Sahabat-AI’s infrastructure are Nvidia’s Merdeka GPUs, which power the Sovereign AI Cloud. These GPUs, equipped with accelerated computing capabilities, enhance the system’s performance and scalability. Notably, Hippocratic AI, a healthcare-focused language model, plans to integrate Sahabat-AI’s latest advancements to better serve Indonesia’s healthcare sector.

Cultural Relevance and Regional Languages

One of Sahabat-AI’s most remarkable features is its ability to understand and process regional languages such as Javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese. This capability ensures that the AI system is not only functional but also deeply connected to Indonesia’s rich cultural tapestry.

“Indonesia needs a local LLM that understands the local context and is relevant to culture,” said Catherine Hindra Sutjahyo, President of Gojek’s GoTo On-Demand Service Business Unit, during the indonesia AI Day 2024 event held by Indosat in Jakarta on November 14, 2024.

Looking Ahead

The collaboration between Indosat, GoTo, and Nvidia marks a critically important milestone in Indonesia’s AI journey. By combining global technological expertise with local insights,Sahabat-AI is poised to become a transformative force in the region. As the project progresses, it promises to deliver innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of Indonesians, setting a new benchmark for AI development in Southeast Asia.

How Does Sahabat-AI’s Localization Enhance Its Effectiveness and Accessibility?

Interview with Dr. Maya Sari, Lead AI Developer of Sahabat-AI

Conducted by Sarah Thompson

Sarah Thompson: Dr. Sari, thank you for joining us today. Sahabat-AI has been making headlines as Indonesia’s groundbreaking AI initiative. Can you tell us more about the vision behind this project?

Dr. Maya Sari: Thank you for having me. The vision behind Sahabat-AI is to create an AI system that truly understands and serves the Indonesian population. By incorporating regional languages and cultural contexts, we aim to make AI more accessible and relevant to everyday Indonesians.

Sarah Thompson: How does the localization of Sahabat-AI contribute to its effectiveness?

Dr. Maya Sari: Localization is at the core of Sahabat-AI’s design. By understanding regional languages and cultural nuances,the system can provide more accurate and meaningful interactions. This not only enhances user experience but also ensures that the AI is inclusive and accessible to all Indonesians,irrespective of their linguistic or cultural background.

Sarah Thompson: What are the next steps for Sahabat-AI?

Dr. Maya Sari: We are continuously refining the system to improve its accuracy and expand its capabilities. Our goal is to make Sahabat-AI a cornerstone of Indonesia’s digital transformation, providing innovative solutions that address the unique challenges faced by our population.

Sahabat-AI: Revolutionizing Technology for indonesia’s Unique Needs

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is frequently enough designed for global markets, Sahabat-AI stands out as a groundbreaking initiative tailored specifically for Indonesia. Developed with a deep understanding of the nation’s linguistic diversity, cultural nuances, and societal needs, this AI system is transforming how technology interacts with everyday life in the archipelago.

Bridging the Gap Between AI and Local Needs

Dr. Maya Sari, the visionary behind Sahabat-AI, explains the project’s mission: “our vision is to bridge the gap between advanced AI and the unique linguistic, cultural, and societal needs of our nation.” By leveraging NVIDIA’s cutting-edge AI platforms, Sahabat-AI has been designed to not only communicate in Indonesian but also understand regional dialects and cultural contexts.

What makes Sahabat-AI truly unique is its ability to incorporate local idioms, traditions, and social norms. This localization makes the technology more relatable and accessible, notably in rural areas where technology adoption has been slower. “It’s about creating an AI that speaks the language of the people, both literally and figuratively,” Dr. Sari adds.

NVIDIA’s Transformative Role

NVIDIA’s partnership has been instrumental in scaling Sahabat-AI’s capabilities. “NVIDIA’s support has been transformative,” dr. Sari notes. Their expertise in natural language processing (NLP) has enabled the AI to better understand complex linguistic structures in Indonesian and regional languages. Additionally, NVIDIA’s commitment to sustainability aligns with Sahabat-AI’s goals. The AI’s cloud infrastructure, powered by renewable energy, supports Indonesia’s golden Indonesia 2045 vision for enduring development.

Empowering Indonesia’s Digital Economy

Sahabat-AI is more than just a technological innovation; it’s a tool for empowerment. by making AI accessible in local languages, the project is enabling more Indonesians to participate in the digital economy. This is particularly impactful in sectors like healthcare, where Sahabat-AI is being used to develop empathy-driven conversational models that improve patient trust and accessibility.

Dr. Sari emphasizes, “We’re also working with local businesses to integrate AI into their operations, driving efficiency and innovation.” This approach not only enhances productivity but also fosters a culture of technological adoption across various industries.

Overcoming Challenges in a Diverse Landscape

Developing an AI system for Indonesia’s diverse linguistic landscape is no small feat. with over 700 languages spoken across the archipelago, ensuring accuracy and relevance has been a significant challenge. “One of the biggest challenges has been ensuring the AI’s accuracy across Indonesia’s diverse linguistic landscape,” Dr. Sari admits.

To address this,the team has focused on creating a system that understands and responds appropriately to regional variations. This meticulous approach ensures that Sahabat-AI remains effective and reliable, regardless of the user’s location or dialect.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

As Sahabat-AI continues to grow, its impact on Indonesia’s development goals becomes increasingly evident.By combining advanced technology with a deep understanding of local needs, the project is paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable digital future.

Dr. Sari concludes, “Sahabat-AI is not just about technology; it’s about empowering people and communities. It’s about creating a future where everyone, regardless of where they live or what language they speak, can benefit from the advancements of AI.”

Sahabat-AI: Pioneering Indonesia’s AI-Driven Future

In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, Indonesia is carving out its own path with Sahabat-AI, a groundbreaking initiative that blends cutting-edge technology with local needs. Spearheaded by Dr. Maya Sari, this project is not just about innovation—it’s about empowerment, inclusivity, and national pride.

The Vision Behind Sahabat-AI

Sahabat-AI, which translates to “friend AI,” is more than just a technological tool; it’s a movement. By collaborating with linguists, anthropologists, and local communities, the team has crafted an AI system deeply rooted in Indonesia’s cultural and linguistic diversity. This localization ensures that the technology resonates with the people it’s designed to serve.

Dr. Maya Sari, the driving force behind the project, emphasizes the importance of this approach. “Our primary goal is to expand Sahabat-AI’s reach and impact,” she explains. “We aim to integrate it into more sectors, such as education, agriculture, and public services, to drive inclusive growth.”

NVIDIA’s role in Powering Progress

Behind the scenes, NVIDIA’s computational prowess has been instrumental in processing the vast amounts of data required to refine Sahabat-AI’s models. This partnership highlights the synergy between global tech giants and local innovators, proving that collaboration can yield transformative results.

Looking Ahead: A Five-Year Roadmap

Over the next five years, Sahabat-AI aims to become a cornerstone of Indonesia’s digital transformation. Dr. Sari envisions the project as a symbol of Indonesia’s AI sovereignty—a homegrown solution that empowers its people and showcases the nation’s innovation on the global stage.

“We’re exploring partnerships with other tech companies and government agencies to ensure Sahabat-AI becomes a key player in our digital future,” she adds. “ultimately, we want it to be a testament to how technology can be tailored to serve the needs of a nation while fostering global innovation.”

Why Sahabat-AI Matters

Sahabat-AI is more than just a technological achievement; it’s a reflection of Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable development. By aligning with the nation’s goals,the project demonstrates how AI can be a force for good,addressing real-world challenges and improving lives.

As Dr. Sari aptly puts it, “It’s an exciting journey, and we’re just getting started.”

Conclusion

Sahabat-AI is a shining example of how technology can be both innovative and inclusive. By combining local expertise with global resources, Indonesia is setting a new standard for AI development—one that prioritizes people and progress above all else.

How dose Sahabat-AI’s focus on local languages like javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese contribute to its relevance and accessibility for Indonesia’s diverse population?

Dless of their background, can benefit from the advancements in AI.” This vision aligns with Indonesia’s broader goals of digital change and equitable progress, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward a technologically advanced society.

Key Takeaways:

1. Localization as a Core Strength: Sahabat-AI’s ability to understand and process regional languages like Javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese ensures its relevance and accessibility across Indonesia’s diverse population.
2. Collaborative Innovation: The partnership between Indosat, GoTo, Nvidia, and leading academic institutions highlights the importance of combining global technological expertise with local insights.
3. Empowering Communities: By integrating AI into sectors like healthcare and local businesses, Sahabat-AI is driving efficiency, innovation, and inclusivity in Indonesia’s digital economy.
4. Sustainability and Scalability: The use of NVIDIA’s Merdeka GPUs and renewable energy-powered infrastructure supports Indonesia’s long-term development goals, including the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
5. Cultural Relevance: Sahabat-AI’s focus on cultural nuances and societal norms ensures that the technology resonates deeply with Indonesians, fostering trust and adoption.

Future Prospects:

As Sahabat-AI evolves, its potential applications are vast. From improving healthcare accessibility through empathy-driven AI models to enhancing education and e-commerce, the project is poised to become a cornerstone of Indonesia’s digital ecosystem. By addressing the unique challenges of Indonesia’s linguistic and cultural diversity,Sahabat-AI sets a precedent for othre nations to develop AI solutions that are both globally advanced and locally relevant.

Sahabat-AI represents a transformative step in Indonesia’s AI journey, blending cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to cultural and societal inclusivity. As the project continues to grow,it promises to unlock new opportunities for innovation,empowerment,and sustainable development across the archipelago.