In a novel blend of technology and cultural diplomacy, the Indian Embassy in Jakarta has introduced a new, non-human member to its team. Meet Dewi, an AI-powered avatar set to become the digital face of India's outreach in Indonesia.
Meet Dewi: A Digital Diplomat
Dewi is an artificial
intelligence (AI) avatar created to engage with the public and disseminate information on behalf of the Indian Embassy. Unveiled in mid-October 2026, this virtual guide is tasked with providing updates on a wide range of topics, including Indian culture, travel and tourism, scholarship opportunities, business and investment, and consular services. The initiative was announced via social media, with the embassy encouraging followers to 'say Halo to Dewi' and stay connected. This move signals a deliberate shift to embrace emerging technologies to make information more accessible and engaging for both Indonesian citizens and the Indian diaspora.
A Name Rooted in Shared Heritage
The choice of the name 'Dewi' is deeply symbolic. Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Devi', meaning goddess, the name holds strong cultural resonance in both India and Indonesia. In the Indonesian language, 'Dewi' is a common female name with the same divine connotation, serving as a powerful example of the shared linguistic and cultural heritage that connects the two nations. The launch was strategically timed to coincide with the auspicious occasions of Navratri and Durga Puja, festivals that celebrate the goddess in her various forms, further reinforcing the avatar's cultural identity. India's Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, highlighted this timing, noting that the AI avatar is here to 'guide her followers'.
The Strategy Behind the Avatar
The introduction of Dewi is more than just a technological novelty; it's a strategic move to enhance India's 'soft power' and public service delivery. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for using AI to improve governance and public outreach. By moving beyond conventional communication methods, the embassy aims to connect with a younger, tech-savvy audience and present India as a forward-thinking nation. The avatar will operate across the embassy's social media platforms, bringing stories and updates about the India-Indonesia partnership directly to its audience in a more interactive format. The goal is to make engagement with the embassy more relevant and dynamic for everyone from potential tourists and students to business investors.
Strengthening a Historic Partnership
This digital initiative is the latest step in a long history of robust India-Indonesia relations. The two countries have shared deep cultural, spiritual, and economic ties for centuries, which have been strengthened under India's 'Act East' policy. The introduction of Dewi is designed to further this partnership by improving access to information for the large Indian community in Indonesia—comprising approximately 130,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and 15,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)—as well as for Indonesians interested in India. By creating an easily accessible digital touchpoint, the embassy is fostering a closer connection and facilitating a more seamless flow of information, which is crucial for trade, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties.
