A New Face for Digital Diplomacy
In a novel move blending technology with cultural outreach, the Embassy of India in Jakarta, Indonesia, has introduced 'Dewi', an AI-powered virtual avatar. Launched in mid-October 2026 to coincide with the auspicious festivals of Navaratri and Durga
Puja, Dewi represents a significant step in India's journey towards digital diplomacy. The name itself is a masterstroke of soft power; 'Dewi' is the Indonesian word for goddess, stemming from the Sanskrit word 'Devi'. This choice thoughtfully acknowledges the deep-rooted linguistic and cultural ties between India and Indonesia, creating an instant connection with the local population. Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, introduced Dewi as a new guide for the embassy's followers, designed to make its digital presence more accessible and engaging. This isn't just a chatbot; it's a digital persona with a culturally resonant name and a clear mission.
More Than Just Consular Queries
While the headline focuses on consular updates, Dewi’s role is far broader, positioning her as a comprehensive digital gateway to India. Her primary function is to provide accessible information on a wide spectrum of topics. This includes crucial consular services like visa processes and passport information, which are often the most urgent needs for the diaspora. However, her mandate extends to promoting bilateral ties by offering updates on Indian culture, travel and tourism opportunities, academic scholarships for students, and avenues for business and investment. This multifaceted approach aims to serve not only the approximately 15,000 Non-Resident Indians and 130,000 Persons of Indian Origin in Indonesia but also Indonesian nationals who are curious about India. By acting as a one-stop information source, Dewi aims to streamline communication and foster a deeper connection between the two nations.
How Dewi Engages the Community
Unlike a static webpage or a simple automated response system, Dewi is designed for active engagement across the embassy's social media platforms. The avatar communicates in both English and Bahasa Indonesia, breaking down language barriers and making information more inclusive. In her introductory video, Dewi cheerfully greets her audience in both languages and invites them to ask questions about topics they wish to know more about, from cultural events to diplomatic updates. This interactive model represents a shift from passive information dissemination to active community building. The embassy is encouraging followers to 'say Halo to Dewi' and stay connected, transforming its social media channels into a more dynamic and responsive resource. This strategy is particularly relevant for the professional Indian diaspora in Indonesia, which includes a significant number of teachers, engineers, and chartered accountants who rely on digital platforms for information.
A Potential Model for the Future
The Dewi initiative in Jakarta could serve as a blueprint for Indian diplomatic missions worldwide. As governments globally grapple with ways to make their services more efficient and citizen-centric, the use of AI in consular work is becoming a notable trend. Countries like Australia and Ukraine have already experimented with AI avatars and chatbots to handle routine inquiries, freeing up human diplomats to focus on more complex and urgent cases. These tools can help manage high volumes of queries, provide 24/7 assistance, and reduce administrative burdens. While the Dewi initiative is currently focused on public outreach and information sharing rather than processing applications, it marks a crucial step in that direction for India. It aligns with the Indian government's broader emphasis on leveraging technology to improve public service delivery. The success of this initiative will undoubtedly be watched closely by the Ministry of External Affairs as a potential model for modernizing its global diplomatic footprint.
