Telkom Partners with IBM on Strategic Sovereign AI Initiative
- ICMSS
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Telkom and IBM launch Sovereign AI to drive secure, compliant digital transformation in Indonesia.
The initiative supports Indonesia’s AI hub ambitions, targeting key sectors with ethical, locally governed AI.
By Kenzie Aryasatya, Fayza Nawra Avanitanya, Muthia Noor Safitri, Imam Fakhri Prayogo Harianto
June 6, 2025 at 16:30 GMT+7
PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk and IBM signed a strategic collaboration to create and implement Sovereign AI solutions for the Indonesian market. The partnership, which was launched on June 4, 2025, is a breakthrough in Indonesia's artificial intelligence development while adhering to national data governance regulations.
Telkom will utilize its strong digital base and reach to customers, and IBM will offer its enterprise-level AI capability on platforms like IBM watsonx. The partnership is set to develop AI services that meet Indonesia's local data residency and security requirements.
The Sovereign AI platform will assist in digital transformation in the private and public sectors so that organizations can responsibly expand their operations with locally controlled, secure, and scalable AI technologies. This move also aligns with Indonesia's vision of being a leading AI hub in Southeast Asia.
WatsonX from IBM, the artificial intelligence software suite built on legendary Watson AI | Source: IBM
IBM watsonx is the core of this effort, a comprehensive AI and data platform to develop, train, and deploy explainable and trusted models. Sovereign AI is designed with a strong emphasis on ethical AI, reducing bias, improving explainability, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
The open platform design enables more customization, scalability, and interoperability, making it easier for businesses to integrate AI into their operating environment. As part of this program, Telkom and IBM are focusing on high-compliance vertical markets like legal services, finance, and healthcare.
With a focus on reliable AI that augments Indonesia's vision for digital sovereignty, the collaboration is working to create an Indonesian national AI ecosystem that will foster innovation, drive productivity, and improve Indonesia's global competitiveness. The emphasis on responsible and secure AI development ensures value creation in the long term for various economic strata.
Cooperation Agreement between Telkom and IBM for the Provision of Sovereign AI Solutions at Telkom Landmark Tower, Jakarta, Wednesday (21/5). | Source: Arsip Telkom
Telkom–IBM collaboration is opportune since artificial intelligence investment in the Asia Pacific region is expected to reach US$175 billion by 2028, reports IBM. Sovereign AI needs to spearhead Indonesia's digital transformation, not just by increasing the development of AI adoption, but also by building a competent digital workforce.
The platform will allow organizations to create AI services not only adapted to local culture but also aligned with national regulations, a critical consideration in a multicultural and fast-digitizing economy such as Indonesia. Strategic sectors in telecommunications, healthcare, education, and finance will gain from AI solutions customized to their requirements that will improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
Additionally, the program assists the government in realizing its vision to position Indonesia as a model country for responsible and ethical AI development, hence enhancing future economic resilience and regional digital leadership.
Source:
Reuters CNBC
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