Indonesia Launches Rp 500 Billion AI and STEM Initiative to Empower 10 Million Students

National Initiative on Artificial Intelligence Launched in Indonesia

On Wednesday, several Indonesian ministries joined forces with the Riady Foundation to launch a national initiative focused on artificial intelligence (AI) education. Named STEM Indonesia Cerdas (Smart Indonesia Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), this program kicks off with an initial funding of Rp 500 billion (approximately US$30.73 million) and involves around 500 educational institutions.

The initiative is set to begin implementation in the third quarter of 2025. It brings together the Elementary and Secondary Education Ministry, Higher Education, Science and Technology Ministry, Culture Ministry, Religious Affairs Ministry, and Communications and Digital Ministry to strengthen STEM and AI education across the country.

Expanding Access to AI and STEM Education

STEM Indonesia Cerdas targets providing foundational AI and STEM skills to about 10 million students from various educational backgrounds, including public and private schools, madrassa (Islamic curriculum schools), and pesantren (Islamic boarding schools). The program offers an inclusive learning module, teacher training, a digital learning platform, and a monitoring and evaluation system. These components aim to support sustainable and inclusive transformation in Indonesia’s education sector.

Support from Education Leaders

Schools Minister Abdul Mu’ti emphasized the importance of this initiative as a national priority. He linked it to Indonesia’s economic growth target of 8 percent and the development of independent human resources, highlighting the program’s role in preparing future generations.

Yudi Darma, professor of physics at the Bandung Institute of Technology and director general of science and technology dissemination at the higher education ministry, praised the initiative for its scale, funding, and collaborative approach. He noted that it brings technology innovation to meet real social needs and serves as a relevant model for developing countries with large potential like Indonesia.

Addressing Education Gaps with Collaboration

Stephanie Riady, executive director of the Riady Foundation and program initiator, described STEM Indonesia Cerdas as a collaborative effort to close gaps in access, quality, and resources in STEM education—especially in underserved regions and Islamic schools. She stressed the importance of changing perceptions about science, technology, and mathematics to make them more accessible and enjoyable for all children in Indonesia.

Mochtar Riady, founder of the foundation, highlighted education as the best legacy for future generations. He pointed out that the initiative responds to global challenges by preparing young people for changes driven by AI and digital transformation.

Why This Matters for Education and Human Resources Professionals

• Scaling AI Education: The initiative covers a large student population across diverse educational settings, creating broad-based AI literacy.
• Teacher Empowerment: Training teachers ensures that AI and STEM concepts are effectively delivered and sustained.
• Inclusive Approach: It reaches underserved and religious education institutions, promoting equal opportunities.
• Future Workforce Readiness: Aligns education with economic growth goals and the evolving job market shaped by AI.

For professionals in education and human resources, this initiative offers insights into large-scale program design, collaboration across government and private sectors, and strategies to build AI competency from early education onward.

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