Meet Dewi: Your New Digital Diplomat
In a move that signals a leap into the future of diplomatic outreach, the Indian Embassy in Jakarta has launched an artificial intelligence (AI) avatar named 'Dewi'. Unveiled in mid-October 2026, Dewi is designed to be the new digital face of the embassy,
tasked with making information more accessible and engaging for everyone. The name 'Dewi' was chosen for its deep cultural significance in both nations. Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Devi', it translates to 'goddess' and is a common and respected name in Indonesia, perfectly symbolising the shared heritage between the two countries. The launch was intentionally timed to coincide with the auspicious start of Navaratri and Durga Puja, adding a festive and culturally relevant dimension to this technological initiative, as highlighted by India's Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty.
What Can Dewi Do For You?
Dewi is more than just a digital mascot; she is a functional tool designed to serve the needs of the community. The avatar will operate across the embassy's social media platforms, providing critical updates and information on a wide range of topics. These include consular services, travel and tourism to India, scholarship opportunities for students, and details on business and investment prospects. The goal is to move beyond conventional, text-heavy announcements and offer a more interactive and modern way to stay informed. By presenting information through a friendly and recognisable AI personality, the embassy aims to connect with a broader audience, including the nearly 130,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and 15,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who call Indonesia home.
A Bridge Between Cultures
The introduction of Dewi is a strategic move to strengthen the 'Act East' policy by fostering deeper people-to-people connections. For the significant Indian diaspora in Indonesia—comprising professionals like engineers, teachers, and chartered accountants—Dewi offers a direct and modern line of communication to the embassy. The avatar will share stories and updates about the India-Indonesia partnership, aiming to keep the diaspora connected to their heritage while also engaging Indonesians who are interested in India. The choice of name and the timing of the launch underscore a diplomacy that is not just about politics and trade, but also about celebrating shared cultural and historical ties that have linked the two nations for centuries.
The Future of Digital Diplomacy
This initiative in Jakarta is part of a broader push by India's government to integrate technology into its diplomatic missions worldwide. The launch of Dewi follows a similar project by the Consulate General of India in India in Munich, which introduced an AI avatar named 'Sarathi' to assist with consular queries. These moves are aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for using AI to improve public service delivery and governance. By adopting tools like AI avatars, Indian embassies are aiming to make their services more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly for the global Indian diaspora. It marks a significant shift from traditional diplomatic communication to a more dynamic and technologically-driven approach to engagement.
