Meet Dewi: A Digital Diplomat
Dewi is an artificial intelligence avatar designed to serve as a new face for the Indian Embassy's public outreach in Indonesia. Launched in October 2026 to coincide with the festivals of Navaratri and Durga Puja, Dewi is more than just a chatbot. She
is a virtual guide tasked with providing a wide array of information to both Indonesians and the Indian diaspora. Her portfolio includes updates on Indian culture, tourism and travel, scholarship opportunities, business and investment prospects, and consular services like visa information. Presented in both English and Bahasa Indonesia, the avatar is designed to make engagement more accessible and relevant for a local audience, operating across the embassy's social media platforms.
A Name Rooted in Shared Heritage
The choice of the name 'Dewi' is deeply symbolic and highlights the profound cultural connections between India and Indonesia. 'Dewi' is the Indonesian word for goddess, which derives directly from the Sanskrit word 'Devi'. This shared linguistic and cultural root is a testament to the centuries of interaction between the two nations. The Indian epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, are deeply ingrained in Indonesian culture, particularly in its traditional art and theatre. By choosing a name that resonates powerfully in both countries, the embassy's initiative smartly leverages this shared heritage to build a stronger connection and foster mutual understanding.
Strengthening Millennia-Old Ties
The relationship between India and Indonesia spans over two millennia, built on a foundation of trade and cultural exchange that introduced Hindu and Buddhist traditions to the archipelago. This historical bond is visible today in everything from language to architecture, especially in places like Bali. In modern times, this relationship has evolved into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Dewi avatar is the latest in a series of cultural diplomacy efforts, which include the establishment of the Jawaharlal Nehru Indian Culture Centre in Jakarta and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Bali. These initiatives are central to India's 'Act East' policy, which aims to deepen engagement with nations in Southeast Asia. The introduction of Dewi also serves the large Indian diaspora in Indonesia, comprising approximately 130,000 Persons of Indian Origin and 15,000 Non-Resident Indians.
Diplomacy for the Digital Age
The launch of Dewi is part of a broader vision to harness emerging technologies for better public service delivery and governance. The Indian Embassy noted that the initiative was driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on using AI to improve outreach. In an era where information is consumed digitally, using an AI avatar represents a forward-thinking approach to diplomacy. It moves beyond conventional methods of communication to engage audiences in a more interactive and dynamic way. As a virtual guide, Dewi can provide instant information, promote cultural events, and tell the story of the India-Indonesia partnership to a wider, digitally-native audience, thereby enhancing India's soft power and strengthening bilateral ties.
