Enviro News Asia, Washington, D.C — Indonesia is seeking to strengthen its position as a technology partner, digital talent hub and investment destination in Southeast Asia through deeper engagement with Apple and the broader global technology ecosystem.
The opportunity was highlighted during a visit by Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Indroyono Soesilo, together with ASEAN ambassadors and representatives in Washington, D.C., to Apple’s campus in Silicon Valley, California, on August 13, 2026. The visit was facilitated by the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC), chaired by Ambassador Brian McFeeters, and provided a platform to discuss investment, innovation and digital talent development in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia.
For Indonesia, Apple’s presence extends beyond its global technology brand. The company has contributed to human capital development through the Apple Developer Academy, which was first established in Indonesia in 2018. The program has trained more than 2,500 participants from various regions, providing intensive learning in application development, interface design, digital business skills, teamwork and technology-based problem solving.
Indonesia currently has five Apple Developer Academy locations in Tangerang, Jakarta, Surabaya, Batam and Bali. Their expansion beyond Java to major digital growth centers in the Riau Islands and Bali reflects the broader development of Indonesia’s digital ecosystem.
The academies have helped develop application developers, startup founders and innovators capable of creating digital solutions for local needs, including education, healthcare, tourism, fisheries and micro, small and medium enterprises.
Apple’s strategic presence in Indonesia also provides access to the global digital ecosystem. Applications developed by Indonesian talent have opportunities to reach international users through the App Store, while Apple’s training standards can help improve the quality and competitiveness of Indonesia’s digital products.
Apple has expressed a commitment to approximately US$160 million in innovation investment in Indonesia, including efforts to expand talent development through additional academy facilities. Indonesia is expected to encourage the partnership to move beyond training toward research and development, startup incubation, artificial intelligence applications and greater participation in technology supply chains.
Apple recorded global revenue of approximately US$395 billion in 2025, while Indonesia continues to represent an increasingly important digital market in ASEAN. With a population of more than 280 million people and a rapidly expanding digital economy, Indonesia offers significant opportunities for technology investment and innovation.
The Silicon Valley visit therefore conveyed a clear message that Indonesia is positioning itself not only as a major technology market, but also as a potential partner in innovation and a source of globally competitive digital talent. (*)
