Yandex, a prominent Russian internet company, plans to invest in Indonesia’s AI sector, according to the Indonesian communications and digital minister.

The announcement was made following Meutya Hafid’s Thursday meeting with Alexander Popovskiy, head of Yandex’s international search division.

Details on the investment’s size or nature remain undisclosed. Requests for more information from the ministry received no response. Yandex has not provided additional comments.

Russia’s AI development faces challenges due to Western restrictions that limit access to certain technologies. These challenges are compounded by a halt in microchip exports to Russia by global manufacturers.

Indonesia is attracting interest from tech firms worldwide, thanks to its large tech-savvy youth population.

Nvidia and PT Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison previously announced plans for a US$200 million AI center in Central Java. Microsoft also committed to a $1.7 billion investment over four years to boost cloud and AI services in the country.