Minister seeks AI contributions to Indonesia's food security goal

id ai,brawijaya university,meutya hafid,digital transformation,food self-sufficiency,food security

Minister seeks AI contributions to Indonesia's food security goal

Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid (second from the right) during the inauguration of the AI Center of Brawijaya University in Malang, East Java, on Sunday (January 5, 2025). (ANTARA/Hreeloita Dharma Shanti)

Malang (ANTARA) - Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid pushed the newly inaugurated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center of Brawijaya University to make contributions to Indonesia's food self-sufficiency mission.

"We will support this facility to deliver notable outputs, such as AI-powered applications that offer conveniences, including those supportive of food security," she remarked after officiating the AI center in Malang, East Java, on Sunday.

Hafid observed that the AI Center, located at the Rectorate Building of Brawijaya University, is already equipped with the tools and equipment required to enhance the use of AI technology in various sectors, such as food, health, agribusiness, logistics, and manufacturing.

"Indonesian livestock and crop farmers could leverage this technology to help achieve our food self-sufficiency goal," she noted.

Drawing attention to Indonesia's digital transformation, the minister highlighted that the country needs to produce much more talent capable of mastering digital technology.

"We genuinely support this center, as we have projected that Indonesia will be in need of nine million digital talents by 2030," she said.

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The minister then expressed hope that other higher education institutions would emulate Brawijaya University's initiative in establishing a facility dedicated to the development of AI.

Meanwhile, the university's rector, Professor Widodo, remarked that the newly opened AI Center is expected to intensify research on the cutting-edge technology between Brawijaya's academic community and partners.

"We are also hoping for Madam Minister's directives and assistance to develop digital talents in Indonesia," he stated.

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In collaboration with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Google, the AI Center of Brawijaya University offers training and certification programs in the areas of machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and the utilization of AI.

These programs are available not only to students but also to lecturers and professionals.

This facility also provides a consultation service for companies and institutions keen on making the most of AI to boost their performance.