SORONG, April 21, 2026 – Telkom Indonesia, through its Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program, continues to promote equitable digital literacy in 3T (Frontier, Outermost, and Remote) regions through a program titled “Rural Youth AI Facilitator: Accelerating Inclusive Digital Transformation in 3T Regions of Southwest Papua.” This program marks a concrete step by Telkom in strengthening the capacity of MSME players through technology mentoring based on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Based on 2023 data from the Sorong City Government, more than 6,823 MSMEs are being empowered to support local economic growth. However, 2025 data from the Sorong Regency Perindakop indicate that, of approximately 6,000 MSME actors, only about 150 have received digitalization training. This condition highlights a wide digital literacy gap, particularly in 3T areas that require a more contextual and sustainable approach.

Addressing this challenge, Telkom Indonesia organized AI training for 70 local students at UNIMUDA Sorong on April 21–23, 2026, and the University of Papua (UNIPA) Waisai on April 28–30, 2026. Through this program, students are prepared to become digital agents who can help the community and MSME owners use AI to solve practical, relevant business challenges.

The program adopts a Train-the-Trainer approach, providing intensive capacity-building for students so they can directly enter villages to mentor business actors. Mentoring is conducted through 1-on-1 sessions, ranging from creating digital assets and strengthening marketing to utilizing AI for business efficiency and management.

This approach was chosen because AI technology is often perceived as complex and inaccessible. Therefore, Telkom introduced local youth as "knowledge bridges" to make the technology transfer process simpler, closer, and tailored to the needs of the local community.

Moving forward, these digital agents are expected to collaborate with three strategic groups in Southwest Papua: first, mentoring the "Mama-Mama Papua" business groups; second, supporting village youth in digital promotion; and third, synergizing with BUMDes (Village-Owned Enterprises) to strengthen institutional governance and expand Business-to-Business (B2B) partnerships.

“As a digital company, Telkom Indonesia wants to ensure that technological innovation doesn't just stop in the classroom, but is truly felt by the community at the forefront of the economy,” said Hery Susanto, Senior General Manager of Social Responsibility at Telkom Indonesia.

This program is part of Telkom’s commitment to building a modern and inclusive MSME ecosystem in Eastern Indonesia, supporting SDGs Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).