“Critical thinking enables humans to remain aware of technology. This is crucial so that technology does not enslave us,” Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria said in Malang, East Java, on Saturday.
He noted that through critical thinking, people can harness AI in positive ways that do not harm others.
The ministry is currently preparing a national AI roadmap that will serve as a guideline for developing ethical, safe, and human-centered AI in Indonesia.
The roadmap also aims to promote the responsible use of AI technologies across all sectors.
The ministry has carried out public consultations for the AI roadmap, which is prepared based on, among others, the UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM).
According to Patria, Indonesia still faces several challenges in digital technology utilization, including internet speed, which remains relatively lower than in other countries.
“Malaysia’s internet speed is almost 100 Mbps, while ours is around 36.7 Mbps. This requires an acceleration program to boost network capacity,” he said.
Another major challenge, he added, is the shortage of digital talent, even though Indonesia is projected to contribute 40 percent to ASEAN’s digital economy growth by 2030. The country will need around nine million digital talents by that year.
“The government is paying serious attention to this issue, but it cannot be resolved by the government alone - it requires collaboration,” Patria remarked.
The Indonesian government has identified five priority sectors for AI development, which are healthcare, digital talent education, bureaucratic reform, smart city development, and food security. These areas are expected to ensure that digital transformation promotes equity and public welfare.
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Translator: Ananto Pradana, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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