Sahabat-AI Launches for Bahasa Indonesia

Indonesian telecommunications operator Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and tech giant GoTo have launched Sahabat-AI, an open-source Large Language Model (LLM) ecosystem tailored for Bahasa Indonesia and local languages. This initiative aims to empower Indonesians to develop AI-based services while fostering digital sovereignty and preserving linguistic heritage. The project, unveiled during Indonesia AI Day, is supported by AI Singapore and Tech Mahindra, utilizing Nvidia's AI technology for training. Sahabat-AI will initially feature 8-billion and 9-billion parameter models and is intended to address gaps left by global AI solutions. The collaboration emphasizes inclusivity, with plans to incorporate additional regional languages in the future, promoting domestic innovation and socio-economic growth. This significant step positions Indonesia as a burgeoning tech hub in Southeast Asia, attracting further investment from global tech companies.