AIIP Closing & Demo Day 2025: Connecting Talent, Innovation, and Opportunity Amid Southeast Asia's AI Challenges

Artificial Intelligence Innovation Program (AIIP) Closing and Demo Day

Jakarta, February 25, 2025 — More than 250 participants attended the AIIP Closing & Demo Day 2025, an event marking the conclusion of the first batch of the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Program (AIIP), and celebrating cross-sector collaboration in advancing AI adoption and innovation in Indonesia. Held at Graha CIMB Niaga, Central Jakarta, the event brought together stakeholders from government, industry, and the tech community—united in their belief in AI’s vast potential to address future challenges.

Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria, delivered a keynote speech underscoring the importance of collaboration and technology transfer in accelerating AI development. He emphasized that the future of AI is not just about technology—it’s also about the people behind it, the challenges they face, and the impact they create. He also stressed that for Indonesia to actively participate in the global AI supply chain, the country must act as a contributor, not merely a consumer.

According to him, accelerating AI adoption and development must be built on the foundations of technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and multi-sector collaboration. Nezar also proudly stated that Indonesia was the first country in Southeast Asia to complete the AI Readiness Assessment Report in partnership with UNESCO, reflecting the government's serious commitment to developing a national AI ecosystem.

Throughout its run, AIIP benefited more than 3,187 recipients, engaged 32 experts, collaborated with 30 partners from public, private, and community sectors, and resulted in 15 AI solutions developed by participants, each addressing real societal needs in Indonesia. Initiated by Pijar Foundation with support from PT Tokopedia, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Alpha JWC Ventures, the program represents a shared commitment to bridging AI innovation with domestic challenges while connecting young innovators with industry players and investors.

The event also featured prominent industry leaders sharing their insights on AI-driven transformation. Wishnutama Kusubandio, President Commissioner of Telkomsel, and Sigit Djokosoetono, Deputy CEO of Blue Bird, joined as panelists in strategic discussions on leveraging AI to improve industry efficiency and competitiveness.

Michel Hamilton, CEO of Southeast Asia GTech Digital Asia, remarked that AIIP opened up new opportunities and connections he had never encountered before. He observed numerous relevant use cases ripe for further development and believes AI will fundamentally transform how businesses interact with customers, create products, and contribute to society.

The AIIP Closing & Demo Day also reflected on the challenges facing Southeast Asia’s AI ecosystem. Despite having over 2,000 AI startups, the region attracted only $1.7 billion in venture capital in 2024—far behind the $68.5 billion secured in the U.S. and $11 billion in China. This investment gap underscores the need for platforms like AIIP to strengthen the ecosystem and draw investor attention to Indonesia’s immense potential. AIIP stands as a strategic initiative to empower local talent, foster tangible collaborations, and build AI solutions capable of competing on the global stage.

Through AIIP, Indonesia is proving that with the right support and strong cross-sector collaboration, AI innovation can not only grow at home but also become a vital part of the global technological future.