“AI remains a technology that cannot solve everything or replace everything,” Abdul Mu’ ti said at a national seminar titled “AI and Improving the Quality of Education for All” at the IKA Building Ballroom of Yogyakarta State University (UNY) on Saturday.
He acknowledged that AI is capable of processing data and delivering information quickly, but lacks the dimensions of lived experience, moral responsibility, and humanity that are inherent in the role of teachers.
According to him, while AI can offer suggestions and explanations, it is unable to carry out or experience the learning process in the same way humans do.
“AI can give advice and explain many things, but it does not act and it does not experience,” Abdul Mu’ ti said.
Control over the use of AI, he stressed, remains in human hands. Therefore, mastery of the technology must be accompanied by a critical attitude to avoid being misled by inaccurate or partially valid information.
“The control still lies with the humans who operate the tool,” he said.
The minister also underscored the importance of ethics in the use of AI, particularly in the digital space.
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According to him, AI collects and presents information based on uploaded data, meaning the quality of its output is highly dependent on the accuracy of the sources.
“If what is uploaded is incorrect, AI will also present incorrect information,” he said.
In terms of education policy, Abdul Mu’ ti noted that AI and coding education has begun to be introduced at the elementary school level starting in fifth grade as an elective subject.
The policy is being implemented gradually, taking into account the readiness of teachers and educational institutions.
Amid the rapid development of AI, he said, education must maintain a balance between technological advancement and human values, ensuring that teachers continue to play a central role in guiding students, instilling values, and shaping character.
“Human assets and the human dimension must not be detached in the context of AI,” the minister said.
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Translator: Luqman, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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