Alibaba Cloud, Telkom AI Connect, and HiColleagues Encourage Transformation of Indonesia’s Digital Ecosystem Through AI Talent Development Roadshow

Jakarta, 2 December 2025 – As a concrete step to strengthen the digital talent ecosystem and encourage the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in Indonesia, Alibaba Cloud Indonesia together with Telkom Indonesia through the AI ​​Connect initiative, and HiColleagues, successfully held the AI ​​Talent Development Roadshow, a national program that focuses on increasing AI competency and literacy. AI Connect itself is one of the pillars of the Telkom AI Center of Excellence, which is the main umbrella for cross-campus, industry and community collaboration in accelerating AI adoption in Indonesia.

The program, which runs from September to November 2025, is held on an ongoing basis hybridwith face-to-face activities in five major cities, namely Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Malang and Makassar as well as online sessions reaching participants from various regions in Indonesia including Aceh, Padang, Bali and Papua. This initiative succeeded in reaching more than 500 participants who took part in the event online offline with various backgrounds, ranging from students, academics, developerindustry professionals, up to startup founder.

From the implementation of this program, more than 5,000 AI certifications were successfully produced, reflecting the high enthusiasm and commitment of participants in deepening their artificial intelligence and cloud computing skills.

Through training sessions facilitated directly by Alibaba Cloud experts, participants are provided with an in-depth understanding of Generative AI, machine learning, and cloud computing, including materials such as engineering prompts, ethical use of AI, and an introduction to GPU-accelerated computing. Apart from that, all participants have the opportunity to obtain Clouder Certification as international recognition from Alibaba Cloud, while the Professional Certification – Alibaba Cloud Associate Generative AI Engineer is given specifically to the 50 participants with the best scores.

Strategic Collaboration to Answer Digital Talent Challenges

This program stems from the urgent need to accelerate the development of digital talent in Indonesia. Based on data from the Ministry of Communications and Digital, Indonesia is projected to need around 12 million digital talents by 2030, while the current supply has only reached around 3 million. Seeing this gap, Alibaba Cloud, Telkom Indonesia, and HiColleagues are collaborating to strengthen human resource competencies in the field of artificial intelligence and digital technology, so that Indonesia becomes not only a user, but also a creator of AI-based innovation.

“We believe increasing digital literacy and competence is the main foundation for driving innovation and technology-based economic growth,” said Sean Yuan, Regional General Manager for South Pacific & Japan, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence. “Through international certification and the training we provide, Alibaba Cloud is committed to supporting the acceleration of AI adoption and talent development in Indonesia.”

Real Impact: Building Bridges of Knowledge and Opportunity

Since its first implementation, the AI ​​Talent Development Roadshow has created a real positive impact in various levels of society.

More than 30 technology communities and universities are involved in organizing it, making this program a learning and collaboration forum for Indonesian people who want to master future technology.

For industry professionals and startups, this training provides practical skills in building data-driven solutions. Overall, this program not only increases individual competency, but also strengthens national capacity in creating an AI ecosystem that is strong, equitable, and ready to compete at the global level.

“I view the National AI Talent Development which was successfully held in five major cities in Indonesia as a result of collaboration with Alibaba and Telkom as an invaluable strategic initiative for the future of Indonesian AI talent,” said Gilang Yudha Prakoso, Chief Commercial Officer of HiColleagues.

“The biggest impact is to open up the perspective, perspective, resolution of views, and frequency of views on the competence and use of AI; we are not only holding symbolic activities, but also directly expanding the AI ​​talent pool that is ready to be absorbed by industry. This synergy guarantees that businesses in Indonesia will have a strong human resource foundation to transform and compete in the digital era,” he added.

Towards a Sustainable AI Ecosystem

The success of holding the AI ​​Talent Development Roadshow is an important milestone in joint efforts to build a competitive artificial intelligence ecosystem in Indonesia. Through collaboration between Alibaba Cloud, Telkom Indonesia, and HiColleagues, this initiative expands access to AI learning and certification for talents in various regions, while strengthening national capacity in facing technology-based digital transformation.

This initiative is expected to be the first step in a series of ongoing programs that strengthen Indonesia’s role as one of the centers for developing AI technology in Southeast Asia. With the increasing number of internationally certified digital talents, Indonesia is now increasingly ready to face an economic future based on technology and innovation.

“Through the National AI Talent Development Roadshow, we want to open the widest possible access for Indonesian digital talent to understand and practice AI technology in real life,” said Patricia Gaspersz, Tribe Leader Digital Product Telkom Indonesia. “Indonesia has great potential in the field of artificial intelligence, but the talent gap is still a major challenge. This collaboration between Telkom Indonesia, Alibaba Cloud, and HiColleagues is proven to be able to bridge industry needs with human resource readiness, as well as strengthen an inclusive and sustainable national AI ecosystem towards the vision of a Golden Indonesia 2045.”

This article also appeared on VRITIMES