India's diplomatic outreach just got a futuristic upgrade. The Embassy in Jakarta has introduced 'Dewi', a new face for its public relations. But this is no ordinary diplomat; she represents a bold new chapter in cultural diplomacy.
Meet Dewi, The AI Diplomat
The new face of the
Indian Embassy in Jakarta is Dewi, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered avatar designed to be a one-stop source of information. Unveiled in October 2026 across the embassy's social media platforms, Dewi is tasked with sharing updates and answering questions on a wide range of topics. These include Indian culture, travel and tourism, scholarship opportunities for Indonesian students, business and investment prospects, and details on consular services. The avatar will communicate in both English and Bahasa Indonesia, aiming to make information more accessible and engaging for everyone. This digital personality is a strategic move to connect with the public in a more interactive and modern way.
A Name With Deep Connections
The choice of the name 'Dewi' is a masterstroke of cultural diplomacy. Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Devi', which means goddess, the name resonates deeply in both India and Indonesia. In Indonesia, 'Dewi' is a common and cherished female name that carries the same meaning of divinity, reflecting centuries of shared linguistic and cultural heritage influenced by Sanskrit. The launch was intentionally timed to coincide with the auspicious occasions of Navaratri and Durga Puja, festivals celebrating the divine feminine, further strengthening the symbolic connection. This thoughtful naming helps to frame the initiative not just as a technological advancement, but as a celebration of the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
The Strategy Behind the Smile
Dewi is more than just a friendly digital face; she is a key component of India's evolving public diplomacy strategy. The initiative aims to move beyond conventional methods of communication to better engage with Indonesia's large, young, and tech-savvy population. The embassy serves a significant diaspora, including approximately 130,000 Persons of Indian Origin and 15,000 Non-Resident Indians, many of whom are professionals. By providing easily accessible information through Dewi, the embassy hopes to serve this community better while also sparking interest among Indonesians who may wish to visit, study in, or do business with India. It's a forward-thinking approach that aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for using emerging technologies to improve public service delivery.
Digital Diplomacy and the 'Act East' Policy
The introduction of Dewi is a tangible example of India's 'Act East' policy in action, which focuses on strengthening engagement with Southeast Asian countries. As strategic partners, India and Indonesia collaborate across various sectors, including defense, security, trade, and culture. Using an AI avatar for public outreach is a pioneering step in digital diplomacy, showcasing India's innovative capabilities and its commitment to fostering people-to-people connections. This move is part of a broader trend, as other Indian missions have also begun experimenting with AI tools. For instance, the Consulate in Munich introduced an AI avatar named 'Sarathi' to handle consular queries, indicating a wider adoption of this technology within India's foreign service.
