Meet Dewi: A Digital Diplomat
The Indian Embassy in Jakarta has introduced 'Dewi,' an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant, to serve as a new face for its public outreach. Announced by India's Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, Dewi is designed to provide accessible
information on a wide range of topics. The launch was timed to coincide with the auspicious occasion of Navaratri and Durga Puja, adding a layer of cultural significance. This digital persona will operate across the embassy's social media platforms, offering a modern, interactive way for users to connect with the mission and learn about the India-Indonesia partnership.
More Than Just Visas
While Dewi will handle queries on consular services, its mandate extends far beyond administrative matters. The AI avatar is programmed to share updates on Indian culture, tourism opportunities, educational scholarships, and pathways for business and investment. This positions Dewi as a comprehensive resource for both the Indian diaspora in Indonesia and for Indonesian citizens curious about India. The target audience includes the approximately 130,000 Persons of Indian Origin and 15,000 Indian professionals residing in the country, as well as any Indonesian interested in travel, education, or commerce. By making this information more engaging and relevant, the embassy aims to foster deeper connections.
The Power of a Name
The choice of the name 'Dewi' is a masterstroke of cultural diplomacy. 'Dewi' is the Indonesian word for goddess, a term derived directly from the Sanskrit 'Devi'. This name holds strong cultural resonance in both nations, immediately creating a sense of shared heritage. For millennia, Indian cultural and religious traditions, including stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, have influenced Indonesian art, language, and society. By selecting a name that is at once Indonesian and Indian, the embassy highlights this deep, historical bond and frames the technological initiative within a context of mutual respect and understanding.
A New Chapter in Public Diplomacy
The launch of Dewi represents a significant step in the evolution of India's 'Act East' policy and its broader diplomatic strategy. Traditional methods of public engagement are being supplemented with modern tools that can reach a wider, more digitally native audience. This initiative reflects a broader push to use emerging technologies to improve public service delivery and governance. In an era where information is consumed rapidly on social media, an AI avatar offers a scalable and consistent channel for communication. It allows the embassy to bypass traditional gatekeepers and speak directly to the public, building a community around the India-Indonesia relationship. As one of the first such initiatives, Dewi could serve as a model for how diplomatic missions around the world engage with their host countries in the future.
