Meet Dewi: Your Digital Guide to India
On October 13, 2026, the Indian Embassy in Jakarta introduced Dewi, its new AI-powered virtual assistant. Announced via social media, Dewi is designed to be the public face of the embassy's digital outreach. The name 'Dewi' itself is a clever piece of cultural
diplomacy; it derives from the Sanskrit word 'Devi' (goddess) and is a common name in Indonesia, instantly creating a sense of shared heritage. The launch was timed to coincide with the auspicious occasion of Navratri and Durga Puja, further rooting this technological step in a rich cultural context. According to the embassy, Dewi will bring information and updates about the India-Indonesia partnership directly to the people.
What Can Dewi Do for You?
Dewi is more than just a digital mascot. The AI avatar is tasked with making a wide range of information more accessible to both Indonesians and the Indian diaspora. Its core function is to provide updates on Indian culture, tourism and travel, educational scholarships, business and investment opportunities, and consular services. Whether someone is an Indonesian student looking for scholarships in India, a businessperson exploring investment, or a member of the local Indian community needing consular information, Dewi aims to be the first point of contact. The avatar will communicate in both English and Bahasa Indonesia across the embassy's social media platforms, making engagement easy and intuitive.
A Strategic Move in Digital Diplomacy
The launch of Dewi is not just a novelty; it represents a strategic evolution in India's foreign policy outreach. In an official statement, the embassy noted that the initiative is driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for using emerging technologies like AI to improve governance and public service delivery. The goal is to move beyond conventional methods of communication and create an outreach strategy that is more engaging, relevant, and accessible to a modern, tech-savvy audience. By creating an interactive and friendly AI persona, the embassy hopes to strengthen the connection with Indonesia's public, particularly its youth, and the significant Indian community in the country, which includes about 130,000 Persons of Indian Origin and 15,000 NRIs.
The Bigger Picture: India's Tech-Powered Soft Power
Dewi is a prime example of India's growing focus on 'digital diplomacy'. The Ministry of External Affairs has been actively expanding its digital footprint to shape narratives, connect with the diaspora, and provide support. This includes active engagement on various social media platforms and initiatives like the '#AsktheSpokesperson' on Twitter. Using AI-driven tools for cultural diplomacy aligns with India's broader ambition to become a leader in inclusive and ethical AI systems. These technological initiatives are seen as a powerful way to project India's soft power, enhancing its global image and strengthening bilateral ties in line with the 'Act East' policy, which has already deepened political, commercial, and cultural relations with Indonesia.
