Meet Dewi: A Digital Ambassador
The Embassy of India in Jakarta has launched an AI avatar named 'Dewi' to act as a virtual guide for public outreach. This digital representative is tasked with sharing a wide array of information, covering Indian culture, tourism and travel, educational
scholarships, business and investment opportunities, and important consular updates. Announced via social media, the initiative aims to make information about India and the thriving India-Indonesia partnership more accessible and engaging for everyone, from the large Indian diaspora in Indonesia to Indonesian citizens curious about India. The launch was strategically timed to coincide with the auspicious festival season of Navaratri and Durga Puja, adding a layer of cultural significance.
The Power of a Name
The choice of the name 'Dewi' is a masterstroke of cultural diplomacy. 'Dewi' is the Indonesian word for 'goddess', derived directly from the Sanskrit word 'Devi'. This shared linguistic heritage is a powerful symbol of the deep-rooted historical connections between the two countries that span centuries. By choosing a name that resonates so strongly in both nations, the initiative immediately establishes a sense of familiarity and shared identity. Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, highlighted this connection, noting that the AI avatar was ready to 'guide her followers' on the auspicious occasion celebrating the goddess.
A New Tool for 'Act East' Policy
The 'Dewi' initiative is a practical application of India's broader foreign policy objectives. It fits squarely within the framework of the 'Act East' policy, which has seen relations between India and Indonesia grow rapidly in political, security, defence, and commercial spheres since 2014. In an increasingly digital world, traditional diplomacy is being supplemented by innovative technological solutions. 'Dewi' represents a forward-thinking approach to public outreach, using AI to engage a wider and younger audience. The initiative also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for leveraging emerging technologies to improve public service delivery and governance. This move is part of a larger trend of deepening digital cooperation between the two nations, which also includes collaborations on digital payment systems and AI research.
Strengthening People-to-People Connections
At its core, the 'Dewi' project is about fostering stronger bonds between the people of India and Indonesia. The archipelago is home to a significant Indian community, including approximately 130,000 Persons of Indian Origin and 15,000 Non-Resident Indians, many of whom are professionals like engineers, teachers, and accountants. 'Dewi' will serve as a vital information bridge for this community, while also reaching out to Indonesians. By providing information in both English and Bahasa Indonesia, the AI avatar is designed to be truly bilingual and inclusive. This people-first approach to diplomacy aims to build a partnership that is not just based on government agreements, but on a genuine foundation of mutual understanding and cultural appreciation.
