Telkomsel and Bali Province Launch “AI for Education” Ecosystem

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia –Telkomsel is collaborating with the Bali Provincial Government, Gasing Academy, Kuncie, and education stakeholders in Bali to strengthen the numeracy capabilities of teachers and students. This initiative utilizes a digital learning ecosystem powered by artificial intelligence (AI) technology designed for education (“AI for Education”). The effort is rooted in the belief that every child has the right to learn mathematics in a way that is easy to understand and builds self-confidence.

Beyond mere arithmetic skills, numeracy has become a foundation for reasoning, comprehending information, solving problems, and making daily decisions. This collaborative digitalization effort in education aligns with the fourth point of the Indonesian President’s *Asta Cita* (Eight Missions), specifically regarding the strengthening of human resource development, science, technology, education, health, sports achievements, and gender equality, as well as empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

The collaborative ecosystem begins with enhancing teacher competence through the Gasing Academy, utilizing the GASING approach (*Gampang, Asyik, Menyenangkan*—Easy, Engaging, and Fun). Student learning is further reinforced via Sacred Octagon, a game-based platform powered by AI technology that helps children practice mathematics interactively and progressively. Additionally, *Skul Pintar* is set up to support learning and assessment, while the program’s outcomes are designed to be monitored via data-driven insights to facilitate evaluation and continuous improvement.

Telkomsel President Director Nugroho stated that numeracy is more than just the ability to calculate; it is also a foundation for thinking, understanding problems, and making decisions.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to give more children the opportunity to learn, try, try again, and ultimately believe that they can succeed. From Bali, let us work together to build a generation that is smarter, more confident, and ready to lead Indonesia toward becoming a great nation,” he explained in an official statement on Friday (August 14, 2026).

During the event, teachers and students observed and tried out the “Sacred Octagon” learning method and the GASING approach. This activity serves as an initial step toward understanding on-the-ground needs and incrementally assessing the program’s benefits, ensuring its implementation remains relevant for schools, teachers, students, and families.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster stated that this collaboration aligns with the Bali Provincial Government’s commitment to developing superior human resources in Bali, as numeracy skills foster a generation accustomed to logical thinking and data-driven work, while also preparing them to adapt to the changing times.

“We appreciate the initiative taken by Telkomsel and Prof. Yohanes Surya to bring this program to Bali, and we are ready to foster broader collaboration so that its benefits can be felt by schools and communities across the entire region,” Koster explained.

In the “AI for Education” concept, teachers remain at the heart of the learning process. Technology serves as a tool to help educators provide learning experiences tailored to the developmental needs of students, rather than replacing the guidance, empathy, and understanding that teachers offer each child.

Yohanes Surya, the creator of the GASING method, states that there is no such thing as a stupid child; there are only those who have not yet had the opportunity to learn from good teachers and effective methods.

“Through GASING, we present mathematics in a way that is simple, gradual, and fun. When teachers grow more confident in their teaching and children are no longer afraid to try, that is when the learning process begins to drive real change,” said Yohanes.

Previously, Telkomsel and INA AI introduced the Telkomsel x Sacred Octagon bundling package via the MyTelkomsel and by.U apps to expand Indonesian families’ access to digital numeracy learning. Through this collaboration in Bali, that support has been reinforced by the involvement of the local government, the enhancement of educator competencies, student learning initiatives, and phased program evaluations.

SOURCE : CNBC INDONESIA