Who Is Dewi?
Dewi is an artificial intelligence (AI) avatar launched by the Indian Embassy in Jakarta to serve as a virtual guide and information hub. Unveiled in mid-October 2026, on the auspicious occasion of Navaratri and Durga Puja, Dewi is designed to make information about
India more accessible, engaging, and relevant to audiences in Indonesia. This digital persona will operate across the embassy's social media platforms, providing a friendly and modern interface for anyone interested in the multifaceted partnership between the two nations. The initiative reflects a broader push towards leveraging emerging technologies to improve public service delivery and diplomatic engagement.
A Name with Shared Heritage
The choice of the name 'Dewi' is deeply symbolic and highlights the shared cultural history between India and Indonesia. 'Dewi' is the Indonesian and Malay version of the Sanskrit word 'Devi', which means goddess. This name resonates strongly in both countries, representing a cultural bridge that spans centuries. By naming the avatar Dewi, the embassy not only gives it a local Indonesian identity but also links the modern technological initiative to ancient civilisational ties, particularly during a festive season that celebrates the divine feminine.
What Services Will Dewi Provide?
Dewi's role is to be a comprehensive digital resource. The AI avatar will provide regular updates and information across several key areas. These include Indian culture and heritage, travel and tourism opportunities, and details on scholarships for Indonesians wanting to study in India. Furthermore, Dewi will be a source for business and investment prospects, helping to foster economic ties. Crucially, the avatar will also deliver important consular updates, providing vital information for the Indian diaspora in Indonesia. This makes Dewi a practical tool for the approximately 130,000 Persons of Indian Origin and 15,000 Non-Resident Indians living in the country.
The Strategy Behind Digital Diplomacy
The launch of Dewi is more than just a novelty; it represents a strategic pivot in how embassies conduct public outreach. In a world saturated with information, using an AI avatar is an attempt to cut through the noise and connect with a younger, tech-savvy audience in a more interactive way. This initiative aims to strengthen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by fostering greater understanding and connection. As one of the first Indian missions to adopt such a forward-facing AI tool for public engagement, the Jakarta embassy is setting a potential precedent for India's digital diplomacy efforts worldwide.
Strengthening a Deep-Rooted Friendship
India and Indonesia share a relationship that is both historic and dynamic, founded on two millennia of cultural and commercial contact. As neighbours with a shared maritime border, the two nations have been key partners in regional forums like ASEAN and are aligned in their vision for a stable Indo-Pacific. In recent years, under India's 'Act East' policy, cooperation has deepened in defence, security, and trade, with bilateral trade growing significantly. Initiatives like the Dewi project are the soft power component of this strengthening relationship, designed to connect people directly and build bridges of understanding that complement the strategic and economic goals of both nations.
