What is Project Dewi?
Project 'Dewi' is a new artificial intelligence (AI) avatar launched by the Indian Embassy in Jakarta. Introduced as the new digital face of the embassy, Dewi is designed to be a one-stop source for a wide range of information, including crucial consular
service updates. The name 'Dewi' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Devi' and translates to 'goddess' in Indonesian, a nod to the shared cultural heritage between the two nations. The project was auspiciously launched during the Navaratri and Durga Puja festive season in October 2026. It aims to make information more accessible and engaging for the Indian diaspora in Indonesia and local residents interested in India.
Why Was This Initiative Needed?
Navigating websites and social media feeds for specific updates on visas, passports, or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) services can be time-consuming and confusing. Important announcements can get lost in a sea of other content. Project Dewi was created to centralize this information and provide a more direct and reliable communication channel. The goal is to move beyond conventional communication methods and use emerging technology to improve public service delivery. This initiative serves a significant community, as Indonesia is home to approximately 130,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and around 15,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), many of whom are professionals and require consular support.
How Dewi Will Help You
The Dewi avatar will operate across the embassy's social media platforms, primarily on X (formerly Twitter), to disseminate information. While its primary function is to push updates, it serves as a friendly, digital guide for a variety of topics. Users can follow the embassy's accounts to receive regular updates directly from Dewi. The initiative aims to provide information in both English and Bahasa Indonesia, making it accessible to a wider audience. While not a real-time conversational chatbot for individual queries at this stage, it is a significant step toward streamlining how the embassy broadcasts essential news and service-related changes.
More Than Just Consular News
While making consular updates easier to find is a key part of its function, Dewi's role is much broader. The AI avatar is programmed to share a wealth of information aimed at strengthening the India-Indonesia partnership. This includes updates on Indian culture and heritage, travel and tourism opportunities, academic scholarships for studying in India, and information on business and investment. By providing a single, recognizable digital persona, the embassy hopes to bring stories and updates about the bilateral relationship closer to the people, fostering greater connection and understanding between the two nations.
The Future of Digital Diplomacy
The launch of Dewi in Jakarta is part of a growing trend among Indian diplomatic missions to leverage AI for public outreach. For example, the Consulate General of India in Munich previously introduced an AI avatar named 'Sarathi' to provide information on consular matters. This shift reflects a broader vision emphasized by the Indian government to adopt emerging technologies to enhance governance and public services. As these digital tools become more sophisticated, they are expected to handle frequently asked questions more efficiently, freeing up consular staff to focus on more complex, person-to-person cases and further improving the quality of services for citizens abroad.
