A Transformative Challenge for Innovators!

The GenAI Hackathon 2025 recently kicked off with a powerful mission: to boost artificial intelligence innovation among developers, start-ups, and students, driving significant transformation in Indonesia through groundbreaking AI solutions. This exhilarating competition not only aimed to foster creativity but also sought to harness AI for impactful social and economic change.

Engaging the Brightest Minds: 1,500 Participants!

An impressive 1,500 participants, including engineers, researchers, and AI enthusiasts, registered for this year’s competition. After rigorous selection, about 200 talented finalists were invited to showcase their skills at a live event in South Jakarta, from May 24 to May 25.

Cutting-Edge Technology at Play!

Competitors were required to utilize state-of-the-art technologies from Alibaba Cloud and Sahabat-AI—a homegrown large language model tailored for the Indonesian context by GoTo and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison. This integration of local languages and relevance made the hackathon uniquely significant.

Excitement Peaks in the Final Showdown!

On May 25, the finalists showcased their innovative solutions in an exhilarating live competition judged by a panel from Alibaba, DS/X Ventures, and GoTo. The stakes were high, with winners walking away with cash prizes, valuable Alibaba Cloud credits, and an exciting group trip to the Alibaba Cloud Global Summit 2025.

A Collaborative Effort with Impact!

Rocky Liu from Alibaba Cloud praised the ongoing collaboration with GoTo and the Communications and Digital Ministry, emphasizing their enthusiasm for introducing participants to cutting-edge AI technologies such as Model Studio and Lingma. He expressed confidence that Indonesia's remarkable talent would leverage these tools to create meaningful solutions that resonate locally and globally.

Investing in Future Tech Leaders!

GoTo's Chief of Human Resources, Monica Oudang, stressed the hackathon’s role in nurturing the next wave of tech leaders. She shared insights about additional initiatives like the GoTo Engineering Bootcamp, which aim to equip tech talents with essential skills for today’s digital landscape. The hackathon not only spotlighted technical prowess but also emphasized the importance of collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving in a modern context.

A Vision for Inclusivity!

Monica highlighted that the access to Sahabat-AI would enable participants to craft solutions that are not only innovative but also tailored to the unique needs of the Indonesian population. She expressed hope that today’s participants would ignite inspiration for future AI talents across the nation.

A Powerful Partnership!

Bonifasius Wahyu Pudjianto from the Communications and Digital Ministry underscored the significance of the strategic alliance between Alibaba Cloud and GoTo. He emphasized that collaborations like this are vital for creating a robust, competitive, and future-ready digital ecosystem in Indonesia.

A Stellar Showcase of Talent!

The GenAI Hackathon 2025 exemplified a remarkable blend of strengths and collaboration among its partners. While Alibaba Cloud provided advanced global AI tools, the Communication and Digital Ministry ensured alignment with national talent development goals, and GoTo anchored the event in fostering local expertise. Together, they set the stage for a thriving tech ecosystem in Indonesia, inspiring the next generation to explore the exciting world of AI!