Microsoft is making moves in Indonesia that could change the game for cloud services and artificial intelligence. The tech giant announced a whopping $1.7 billion investment over the next four years to expand its AI infrastructure in the country, including building new data centers. This initiative is part of Microsoft’s broader push into Southeast Asia, with CEO Satya Nadella kicking off his tour in Jakarta before heading to Malaysia and Thailand.
Nadella’s goal? To bring the latest and greatest in AI infrastructure to Indonesia, positioning Microsoft as a leader in this rapidly evolving field. “We’re going to lead this wave in terms of AI infrastructure that’s needed,” Nadella confidently stated.
During his visit, Nadella met with outgoing President Joko Widodo and his cabinet to discuss joint AI research and talent development. Widodo even suggested ideal locations for Microsoft’s data centers, including the picturesque island of Bali or the new capital city, Nusantara, currently being constructed in Borneo’s jungle.
Microsoft is not just stopping at infrastructure development; they are also committed to training 2.5 million people in Southeast Asia in AI use by 2025, with 840,000 of them located in Indonesia. This move aligns with Microsoft’s global strategy to support AI development, as seen in recent investments in Japan and the UAE-based AI firm G42.
Microsoft’s ambitious plans come on the heels of a strong third-quarter performance, where the company exceeded Wall Street expectations thanks to the growing adoption of artificial intelligence across its cloud services. This investment not only reflects Microsoft’s confidence in Indonesia’s tech market but also its commitment to advancing AI technology on a global scale.
(Source: Microsoft Press | WSJ | Bloomberg | AP)
