Bill Gates recently visited Jakarta, where he shared his insights on how artificial intelligence can reshape essential sectors like health, education, and agriculture. Speaking with Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto and local philanthropists, Gates highlighted how AI is set to uncover new tools that not only enhance service delivery but also address longstanding challenges—from tackling diseases such as measles and malaria to optimising vaccine programs. He noted that, amidst a growing need for data centres and smart tech solutions, Indonesia is emerging as a vital player in Southeast Asia’s digital landscape.
Gates, who has supported Indonesia’s health sector with over $159 million since 2009, also took time to engage with the community, observing free meal programmes at a local elementary school. This visit comes at a time when industry leaders are investing heavily in the country’s tech infrastructure—evidenced by Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella’s commitment of $1.7 billion to enhance AI and cloud capabilities. As you consider the evolving tech scene, it’s clear that these developments are more than just headline news; they’re part of a broader movement towards practical, innovative solutions that directly benefit communities.
