Latest Tutorial: Not Just Coding: How Apple Produces AI Talent in Indonesia

The Apple Developer Academy in Indonesia continues to evolve. This program, which is often considered a “coding school”, actually has a much broader and deeper approach, especially in producing artificial intelligence (AI) talent who are ready to face real world challenges.
Through challenge-based learning methods and AI integration, Apple is preparing a generation of developers who are not only technically skilled, but also able to create impactful solutions for society.
This was conveyed directly by Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President for Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, during a conversation after the 2025 Apple Developer Academy Cohort graduation in Bali recently. According to him, Apple’s educational philosophy from the start never focused on memorizing code or long lectures in class.
“This is not about sitting listening to lecturers for hours. From the first day, participants are immediately faced with real challenges and asked to find solutions,” said Lisa Jackson.

The challenge-based learning approach is the hallmark of the Apple Developer Academy. Participants are not given a rigid list of materials, but rather real problems that must be solved collaboratively. They are free to look for references, discuss in teams across backgrounds, and test various ideas before finding the best solution.
This method encourages participants to think critically, creatively and adaptively – skills that are crucial in the AI ​​era. Apple believes that technology will continue to change, but the way of thinking and solving problems is a long-term provision.
“AI can help write code faster, but what makes the difference is how participants design solutions that are truly relevant and impactful,” said Lisa.
At Apple Developer Academy, AI is not positioned as an end goal, but rather a tool to deepen the learning process. Participants utilize AI technology to accelerate application development, perform data analysis, and test various usage scenarios.
However, Apple emphasizes the importance of a human-centered approach. Every application must start from human needs, not just a demonstration of technological sophistication. Therefore, the Academy curriculum also covers design, user research, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
“Now there are many technical things that AI can help with. It makes learning go deeper, not shallow. What differentiates a great solution is not how quickly it is created, but how relevant and meaningful it is for users,” explained Lisa.
The results can be seen from the various applications that emerged from this program. Some of them are SeaLens, a machine learning-based marine conservation application; HerLens, a solution for early detection of cervical cancer; and PetaNetra, an augmented reality-based navigation application for the blind which has won international awards.
Since it first arrived in Indonesia in 2018, the Apple Developer Academy has graduated more than 5,000 alumni. Interestingly, around 90% of graduates are immediately absorbed into the world of work, either in startups, large technology companies, or building their own start-up businesses.
Diversity is also a major strength of this program. In the 2025 Cohort, participants came from 69 cities in Indonesia, with an age range of 18 to 56 years and a female composition of 43%. The Bali campus was even the first to accept international participants, with students from 12 countries.
“The diversity of perspectives makes the resulting solutions much richer,” said Lisa.
Apple’s commitment to developing digital talent in Indonesia will be further strengthened in 2026. Currently, the Apple Developer Academy is present in Tangerang, Surabaya, Batam, Bali, and will open a fifth campus in Central Jakarta (Thamrin).

Not only that, Apple has also prepared a number of special Developer Institutes, including a focus on AI, game development and development operations. With a total of 9 Academy and Institute locations, educational capacity is projected to reach almost 1,000 students per year.
This step is considered to be in line with the vision of Indonesia’s digital economic transformation, as well as strengthening the country’s position as a source of global class technology talent.
“The skills they get are not just for being developers. They learn how to use technology to become better teachers, better health workers, or more impactful creators,” said Lisa.
For Apple, investment in education is not just a social responsibility program, but part of a long-term strategy to build an innovation ecosystem. Lisa Jackson is optimistic that the impact will be felt widely, from the technology industry, public services, to the national economy.
“I don’t hope, I know the impact will be positive. Indonesia has extraordinary talent, and the future is very bright,” he concluded.

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