The relentless march of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through diverse sectors has led to transformative disruptions. Responding to this dynamic landscape, the government initiated the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (Stranas KA) in 2020.
This strategic move aims to navigate and harness the unfolding potential of AI across realms such as business, education, social interactions, and security.
The Center for Digital Society at the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences recently hosted a discussion to delve into the practicalities of implementing Stranas KA.
Collaborating with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, the Digital Expert Talk #19 series unfolded with the theme “AI IOI: Potential and Implementation of AI in Various Sectors.”
Shedding light on the government’s commitment, Hario Bismo Kuntarto from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology unveiled plans to launch a comprehensive set of AI ethics guidelines by year-end.
“We are formulating guidelines for the ethical use of AI based on recommendations received by the ministry. Emphasizing inclusivity, humanity, democracy, transparency, security, credibility, and accountability, these ethical principles form the backbone of our framework,” stated Kuntarto.
The crafted guidelines will serve as a guiding compass for businesses and any AI-driven activities. Significantly, this ethical foundation will evolve in tandem with technological advancements in the future.
Kuntarto underscored the awareness within the ministry that technological progress often outpaces the preparedness of users or communities, giving rise to various challenges. However, preparing communities for technological shifts is a nuanced task that requires an adaptive approach.
“Stranas KA and the government’s active involvement in various forums enables us to observe the ecosystem’s dynamics in AI development. We are receptive to policy adjustments,” he added.
In response to the unfolding AI landscape, UGM, as a distinguished educational institution, is aligning its efforts to enhance community readiness, especially regarding workforce adeptness in AI utilization.
This commitment finds expression through the Master’s Program in Artificial Intelligence within the Department of Computer Science and Electronics, which was inaugurated last year.
Not only does this program underscore UGM’s dedication to the tri-dharma of higher education, emphasizing education and teaching, but it has also successfully graduated a cadre of AI experts focused on advancing AI applications across diverse domains.
“We engage in collaborative research with various institutions, particularly in the health sector. For instance, we at UGM contribute to leveraging AI in hospital platforms,” said Dr. Afiahayati of the UGM Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
“Our Intelligent Systems Laboratory, dedicated to AI research, plays a pivotal role. Notably, the first AI professor in Indonesia, Dr. Sri Mulyana, is affiliated with our lab.”
The journey of AI development demands vigilant oversight from three essential components: the government, academia, and industry, all interwoven with societal participation. The collaborative web extends beyond these facets, necessitating interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration to foster robust and sustainable AI readiness.
Author: Tasya
Image: Unesco