Indonesia has made remarkable strides in embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years. Yet, a profound comprehension of its foundations and implementation is crucial to extracting the utmost benefits from this technology, particularly among policymakers.
Aiming to propel Indonesia towards enhanced AI proficiency, Google, in conjunction with the Indonesia Artificial Intelligence Research and Innovation Collaboration (Korika) and the Center for Digital Society (CfDS) at the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, inaugurated the AI Policy and Skilling Lab.
The program launch, held on Monday (Dec. 11) at Kempinski Jakarta, witnessed the participation of leaders from Google Indonesia, Korika, CfDS, and attendees from various ministries and institutions in Indonesia.
Syaifa Tania, the Executive Secretary of CfDS, outlined that AI training sessions, targeting over 800 civil servants from diverse ministries and institutions in Indonesia, are slated for 2024. The program aims to foster productivity, creativity, responsible AI application, and innovation among civil servants.
“This training program encompasses a series of sessions delving into foundational knowledge and case studies of artificial intelligence and generative AI,” mentioned Tania.
She elucidated that the AI Policy and Skilling Lab program would cover a spectrum of topics, including the basics and ethics of AI usage, the future of AI, AI applications in cybersecurity, optimization for MSMEs and the national economy, education, sustainability and disaster response, privacy, copyright, and governance and public services.
Tania underscored that the selection of these training topics aligns with pressing needs identified from various sectors, highlighting the importance of synergy between the industrial world, government, and higher education institutions in championing the adoption of responsible AI technology.
“By deepening the understanding of policymakers and stakeholders in AI, we hope to establish a responsive and sustainable policy foundation,” she asserted.
The program launch event also witnessed the presence of the Vice Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Nezar Patria, who endorsed the program’s initiative.
“We appreciate the initiative to broaden insights and lead discussions for all segments regarding the responsible use of AI, fostering positive creativity and innovation, and constructing a balanced and purposeful policy foundation,” he expressed.
Randy Jusuf, the Managing Director of Google Indonesia, emphasized that this program embodies Google Indonesia’s commitment to bolstering policymakers’ capacities regarding AI and its Indonesian case studies.
The aim is to enable policymakers to shape a balanced policy foundation, champion responsible AI utilization, and underpin the positive transformation catalyzed by AI technology.
“We hope this initiative marks the commencement of a collaborative and astute approach, generating fresh ideas from the entire AI ecosystem to help navigate this transformative evolution, discover collective solutions, and maximize the extraordinary potential of AI,” he stressed.
“It requires collaboration and profound engagement from all societal stakeholders to achieve progress for Indonesia.”
On a similar note, Professor Hammam Riza, the Chair of Korika, emphasized that providing AI training for civil servants is a pivotal stride in elevating the skills and competencies of civil servants in AI.
Indonesian civil servants can better understand AI through this collaboration, facilitating enhanced performance and public services.
Author: Gusti Grehenson