Meet Dewi: A Digital Diplomat
The Embassy of India in Jakarta introduced its new artificial intelligence (AI) avatar, Dewi, in mid-October 2026. Announced via social media platforms, Dewi is presented as the new 'AI face' of the embassy, tasked with making information about India more
engaging and accessible to people in Indonesia. This initiative represents a step beyond conventional methods of communication, embracing emerging technology to enhance public outreach. The launch was strategically timed to coincide with the start of the auspicious festival season of Navaratri and Durga Puja, adding a layer of cultural significance.
A Name That Bridges Cultures
The choice of the name 'Dewi' is a deliberate nod to the shared cultural heritage between India and Indonesia. The name derives from the Sanskrit word 'Devi', meaning goddess, and is a common female name in Indonesia that carries the same meaning. For centuries, Sanskrit has influenced Indonesian language and culture, and this name serves as a powerful symbol of that enduring connection. By choosing a name with strong resonance in both nations, the embassy has grounded its futuristic initiative in a deep, historical context, celebrating the civilisational ties that bind the two countries.
What Will Dewi Do?
Dewi is designed to be a comprehensive digital guide, operating across the embassy's social media platforms. The avatar will provide a wide range of information aimed at both Indonesians and the significant Indian diaspora, which includes roughly 130,000 Persons of Indian Origin and 15,000 Non-Resident Indians. Key areas of communication include updates on Indian culture and travel, educational and scholarship opportunities, business and investment prospects, and important consular service information, such as visa and passport updates. The goal is to create a one-stop digital touchpoint that brings stories and updates from the India-Indonesia partnership closer to the public.
Diplomacy in the Digital Age
The launch of Dewi is part of a broader vision for leveraging technology in public service. The embassy noted that the initiative is driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's M.A.N.A.V. (MAke in India, Nurture in India, And Validate in India) Vision for the use of AI to improve governance. In an age where digital platforms are primary sources of information, embassies and diplomatic missions are increasingly adopting tools like AI avatars to engage with local populations more effectively. This move by the Jakarta embassy positions it at the forefront of digital diplomacy, using technology not just as a tool for information dissemination, but as a bridge to foster deeper cultural and people-to-people connections.
