### Telkom Exchange, Sets Crypto Milestone.">Nasdaq-Style CFX Exchange, Sets Crypto Milestone.">Indonesia Launches AI Center of Excellence

**Main Headline/Development**
Telkom Indonesia, the state-owned telecom giant, officially launched its AI Center of Excellence (CoE) on August 31, 2025, during the BATIC 2025 event in Bali.

**Key Facts and Context**
The AI CoE is built on four main pillars: AI Campus for academic collaborations, AI Playground for startup innovation, AI Connect for industry partnerships, and AI Hub for resource sharing. It aims to speed up AI adoption across sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and public services. The launch involves partnerships with universities, startups, small businesses (UMKM), and government entities. Telkom highlighted this as a step toward Indonesia’s digital transformation goals, amid a broader tech ecosystem where startups raised $75.6 billion historically, though recent funding has slowed due to “tech winter” challenges.

**Why This Matters**
This initiative could help Indonesia close the gap in AI development, where the country lags behind regional leaders like Singapore. By fostering collaborations, it supports local startups and businesses in adopting AI, potentially creating jobs and boosting the digital economy projected to reach $130 billion by 2025. It addresses funding shortages in the startup scene, where fintech dominated 42% of 2024 investments, and signals government-backed momentum for tech innovation without overpromising quick wins—success depends on execution amid economic uncertainties.

**What to Watch for Next**
Monitor upcoming partnerships or pilot projects from the AI CoE, especially with startups and universities. Track any government funding announcements or early AI applications in key sectors. Watch for investor reactions, as this could influence startup funding trends in the coming months.