As artificial intelligence develops at remarkable speed, Indonesia faces not only major challenges but also extraordinary opportunities to create jobs, businesses, and new solutions. This was the message Wishnutama Kusubandio brought to an Indonesia-focused forum at Macquarie University.
AI and the Future of Indonesia's Digital Economy
Macquarie University hosted AI: the next chapter, a two-day forum exploring how students and the technology diaspora can contribute to Indonesia's evolving digital economy. The event brought students, alumni, academics, experts, industry leaders, and investors together to exchange ideas about the responsible use of AI.
The opportunity is significant. According to Macquarie University's article, Indonesia has more than 210 million internet users, while its digital economy is projected to reach US$340 billion by 2030—the largest in Southeast Asia.
A central message from the forum: everyday challenges can become starting points for digital solutions, new employment, startups, and sustainable businesses.
Spotlight: Wishnutama and Indonesia's Emerging Talent
Wishnutama is widely recognised as an influential figure in Indonesia's media and creative industries. His career includes work as a journalist and business leader, as well as service as Indonesia's Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy. Now a postgraduate student at Macquarie University, he is bringing that experience into an academic and international setting.
Wishnutama served as the forum's lead organiser. He encouraged Indonesian students and diaspora communities in Australia not merely to use technology, but to create innovations that respond to genuine community needs.
He also emphasised the importance of a human-centred approach to AI. Technology should do more than improve efficiency—it should create employment, expand opportunity, and make a tangible difference, from improving access to mental-health services in remote communities to helping authorities detect illegal deforestation.
Turning Student Ideas into Real Solutions
A key feature of the forum was a Shark Tank-style pitch competition. Students from universities across Australia presented ideas to a panel of expert judges and investors.
The winning concept came from Muhammad Fuad Nasrullah, a Macquarie University Master of Management (Supply Chain) student. He developed AI technology that can help sports teams analyse their opponents' match performance. He will receive support to travel to Jakarta and develop the idea further.
His story demonstrates how a globally connected university can bring together academic knowledge, industry experience, investor access, and real challenges from Indonesia.
Why Does Global Experience Matter?
Studying overseas does not mean leaving Indonesia behind. An international education can provide new perspectives, cross-border networks, and valuable skills that students can apply to challenges at home.
The forum showed how a globally connected campus can empower Indonesian talent to:
- develop relevant and responsible AI solutions;
- build networks with academics, industry leaders, and investors;
- turn ideas into startups or career opportunities;
- make a meaningful contribution to Indonesia's digital economy.
An AUD 15,000 per Year Scholarship Opportunity
Indonesian students planning to commence an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree at Macquarie University from 2027 may be considered for the Macquarie University AUD $15,000 Early Acceptance Scholarship.
The scholarship offers a AUD 15,000 annual tuition-fee reduction for the standard duration of an eligible course, credited at AUD 7,500 per session. Eligible applicants are assessed automatically after submitting their course application; availability and final decisions remain subject to Macquarie University's official terms.
Interested in the Macquarie Scholarship Opportunity?
Prepare your degree choice, academic documents, and application with the right guidance.
Contact RIM Education to check your eligibility for a Macquarie scholarship worth AUD 15,000 per year and receive application support.
Sources: Macquarie University, The Lighthouse and the official Macquarie University AUD $15,000 Early Acceptance Scholarship page. Eligibility, availability, and scholarship value may change, and all final decisions are made by the university.