Meet Dewi: Your Digital Guide
The Embassy of India in Jakarta has launched 'Dewi', an artificial intelligence avatar created to improve public outreach and make information about India more accessible. Announced in mid-October 2026, this digital assistant acts as a virtual guide for anyone
interested in the relationship between the two nations. The initiative was unveiled through the embassy's social media channels, inviting users to 'say Halo to Dewi' and stay connected. Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, highlighted the launch's timing, noting it coincided with the auspicious occasion of Navaratri and Durga Puja.
A Name With Shared Roots
The name 'Dewi' was carefully chosen for its deep cultural resonance in both India and Indonesia. In Indonesian, 'Dewi' means 'goddess' and is a common female name. This directly connects to its origin from the Sanskrit word 'Devi', which carries the same meaning in India. This shared linguistic and cultural heritage symbolises the deep-rooted connections between the two countries, making the name a perfect fit for an initiative designed to bring the nations closer. The launch during Navaratri, a festival honouring the divine feminine, further reinforces this symbolic connection.
Services at Your Fingertips
Dewi is designed to be a one-stop digital source for a wide array of information. The avatar will provide regular updates on Indian culture and heritage, travel and tourism opportunities, and information on scholarships for studying in India. For the business community, Dewi will share details on investment prospects and bilateral trade. Furthermore, it will offer crucial consular service updates, which is vital for the large Indian diaspora in Indonesia, estimated to include around 15,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and 130,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). The information will be shared in both English and Bahasa Indonesia to ensure wide accessibility.
Strengthening Digital Diplomacy
The launch of Dewi is more than a tech upgrade; it represents a strategic move towards 'digital diplomacy'. Indian diplomatic missions globally are increasingly using technology to enhance their public engagement. This initiative in Jakarta aims to move beyond conventional communication methods to make information more engaging and relevant for a local Indonesian audience and the Indian community alike. It is part of a broader trend of strengthening the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly in the digital domain. Both countries are expanding cooperation in AI, digital infrastructure, and technology innovation to boost their digital economies.
A Bridge for a New Era
This digital collaboration builds on a solid foundation. India and Indonesia have been deepening their partnership in digital payments, with plans to link India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Indonesia's QRIS system to facilitate seamless transactions. Furthermore, Indonesia's efforts to build a national digital ecosystem have been inspired by India's success with digital public infrastructure like Aadhaar and ONDC. The introduction of Dewi aligns with this spirit of cooperation, aiming to foster greater understanding and people-to-people connections. It serves the practical needs of the community while also acting as a powerful symbol of a forward-looking relationship built on shared history and future technological ambitions.
