Meet Dewi, Your New AI Guide
The Embassy of India in Jakarta has unveiled a new AI-powered digital assistant named 'Dewi' to enhance its public engagement. Announced in mid-October 2026, the launch was strategically timed to coincide with the auspicious occasions of Navaratri and
Durga Puja, adding a layer of cultural significance. The name itself is a thoughtful nod to the host country; 'Dewi' means goddess in Indonesian and derives from the Sanskrit word 'Devi', reflecting the deep-rooted cultural ties between India and Indonesia. This virtual guide is designed to serve both Indonesians interested in India and the significant Indian diaspora in the country, which includes roughly 130,000 Persons of Indian Origin and 15,000 Non-Resident Indians.
What Can Dewi Do For You?
Dewi is positioned as a comprehensive resource for a wide array of topics. The avatar will provide updates and information across several key areas: Indian culture, travel and tourism, scholarship opportunities for students, business and investment prospects, and essential consular service updates. Rather than replacing existing services, Dewi aims to make information more accessible and engaging. The avatar will operate across the embassy's social media platforms, sharing stories and updates about the India-Indonesia partnership in both English and Bahasa Indonesia, ensuring a broader reach.
The Strategy Behind the Avatar
The introduction of a friendly, human-like avatar instead of a simple text-based chatbot is a deliberate choice. The goal is to make the embassy's digital presence feel more personal and approachable, moving beyond conventional methods of communication. By creating a recognizable 'face' for its digital outreach, the embassy aims to build a stronger connection with its audience. This initiative is part of a broader vision, driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on using emerging technologies like AI to improve governance and public service delivery. The launch of Dewi is seen as a step towards making diplomatic engagement more relevant and effective in the digital age.
A Growing Trend in Digital Diplomacy
The Indian Embassy in Jakarta is not the first to venture into AI for public services. This move is part of a larger trend among Indian diplomatic missions to leverage technology for better outreach. For instance, in August 2026, the Consulate General of India in Munich introduced its own AI avatar named 'Sarathi' to handle queries related to passports, visas, and other consular matters. These initiatives highlight a strategic shift in how diplomatic missions interact with the public, using AI to answer frequently asked questions and disseminate information efficiently. The positive online reaction suggests that the public is receptive to using AI in government services, provided it is effective and well-supported.
