Indosat hailed among top Southeast Asia workplaces

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison has been named in the 2025 Fortune Best Companies to Work For Southeast Asia list, becoming the only Indonesian telecommunications provider included in the regional ranking.

The recognition places the Jakarta-based operator alongside companies from multiple sectors across Southeast Asia following what the organiser describes as a competitive selection process. It highlights workplace culture, employee experience and people-related practices rather than market share or financial size.

Indosat frames the accolade as validation of its efforts around digital transformation, workforce development and inclusion. The company has positioned itself as an "AI-native" telecoms operator and has embedded artificial intelligence across internal processes as well as in services for customers and partners.

AI in daily work

Indosat has integrated AI into day-to-day workflows in areas such as energy management, sales operations and career development. The company uses AI tools to simplify internal processes and aims to raise productivity in functions across the organisation.

The operator has rolled out several AI-based solutions for staff. One example is ASTRID, a virtual HR assistant that handles administrative requests and queries. Indosat describes ASTRID as an internal tool that provides faster responses for employees dealing with routine HR matters.

The company has also put AI training programmes in place across the workforce. Management has stated that all employees should be able to work with AI systems in their roles, and the training is designed to familiarise staff with the tools now present in core workflows.

Vikram Sinha, President Director and Chief Executive Officer of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, said the company links staff development closely with its AI agenda.

"Building AI-native talent within the organization is not only about preparing the company for the future, but also preparing every employee for their own future. When employees build AI capabilities, they accelerate business outcomes while expanding their relevance, unlocking new career paths, and strengthening their readiness for a workplace where human-AI collaboration is essential," said Sinha.

National AI initiatives

Indosat has expanded its AI work beyond internal usage. The company set up the Indonesia AI Centre of Excellence, which it describes as a contribution to strengthening domestic expertise in artificial intelligence.

Through an initiative called Sahabat AI, Indosat provides an open-source Indonesian-language large language model. The project focuses on local-language AI tools and is available for external use. The company also uses AI in its network to support anti-spam and anti-scam protections, which it says reach millions of mobile customers across the country.

Focus on inclusion

Management links the Fortune recognition with steps taken around diversity, inclusion and employee support. Indosat states that it is working to raise the representation of women in leadership roles, which it sets against the backdrop of relatively low female labour-force participation in Indonesia.

The group has expanded health and wellbeing measures for staff. These include on-site health clinics, access to psychologists and mental health services, hobby and sports clubs, and internal social initiatives intended to build community across teams.

Indosat describes its remuneration structure as centred on competitive pay and performance incentives. The company also offers financial support around major life events, which it says is designed to reduce financial stress for employees.

Training and recognition

Employee development remains a core strand of Indosat's HR strategy. The company runs more than 400 training programmes each year and provides staff with access to over 25,000 online courses. The focus lies on continuous learning in technical, functional and leadership areas.

Indosat has also put in place internal recognition mechanisms so that managers can acknowledge staff contributions on a regular basis. The schemes operate alongside formal performance reviews and promotion processes.

The business now reports that it serves more than 285 million customers across Indonesia, including mobile and digital services users. It recorded 3.8% revenue growth in the third quarter of 2025 compared with the previous quarter. Net profit rose 29.1% over the same period.

Sinha links these figures with the company's emphasis on workplace culture and talent development. "When we support the well-being and growth of our people, they strengthen our business in return. Together, we drive progress and empower Indonesia," said Sinha.