As Indonesia heads toward a US$350 billion digital economy, one company is leading with a human support system behind the transformation. Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison has a vision to become an AI-native telco, embedding intelligence into its daily work while elevating people.

“Building AI-native talents in the organization isn’t just about equipping the company for the future, it’s about equipping every employee for their own future,” says Irsyad Sahroni, the company’s director and chief HR officer. “When our people build AI fluency, they don’t just accelerate business outcomes, they also expand their relevance, unlock new career paths, and strengthen their readiness for a world where human-AI collaboration defines success.”

Embedding AI throughout the organization has freed employees to focus on strategic initiatives. Indosat’s virtual employee, ASTRID, acts as a personal HR assistant, streamlining processes and delivering customized support.

Meanwhile, company-wide AI training ensures employees at every level are equipped for the future. This synergy between people and technology has sparked initiatives such as IDCamp, which equips young Indonesians with digital skills; SheHacks, which empowers women to create tech-based solutions for social impact; and the Indonesia AI Center of Excellence, which advances national AI capability. Its Sahabat AI project, an open-source collection of large language models in Bahasa Indonesia, extends the benefits of AI to local communities.

Behind these initiatives is an inclusive culture where employees feel valued and respected regardless of background or identity. In a country where the World Bank reports only 54% of women in the workforce, the company aims to double the number of women leaders. It also prioritizes wellbeing, support for employees’ families, and social connections while fostering collaboration and camaraderie.

This holistic approach has earned the company a place among the 2025 Fortune Best Companies to Work For–Southeast Asia list. From on-site medical clinics to access to licensed psychologists, physical and mental health are paramount. Employee-led clubs and social events reinforce a sense of belonging. Competitive compensation, performance-based incentives, and financial assistance for significant life events strengthen financial security.

With more than 400 annual training programs and access to 25,000 online courses, employees are empowered to grow their careers, while awards and appreciation programs celebrate achievements.

The results speak for themselves: Indosat serves 285 million customers, with third quarter revenue in 2025 rising 3.8% from the previous quarter while net profit grew 29.1%. As Sahroni says, “When we take care of our people, they take care of our business, and together, we empower Indonesia.”

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