Artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest technology that cannot be separated from modern life. Researchers are racing to create AI that can assist humans in all fields.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has partnered with UGM to invite the public to learn about artificial intelligence technology and improve digital literacy.
The Indonesian Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, stated that her ministry is partnering with universities like UGM to prepare the younger generation to lead in artificial intelligence technology.
According to her, universities are the right extension between the ministry and the public to increase digital literacy in the country.
“To welcome technological advancements, especially AI, Indonesia still needs 9 million digital talents by 2030,” she told reporters on the sidelines of her visit to the event titled “Komdigi Menjangkau: Campus, We’re Coming!”, which was held by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Microsoft at the Grha Sabha Pramana on Wednesday (Dec. 11).
In addition to discussions, a job fair was held simultaneously with various Indonesian digital companies, including OVO and Digitalent.
Minister Hafid emphasized that digital technology companies have also committed to developing Indonesian human resources in digital technology.
“We encourage large global technology companies to be involved so that Indonesia not only acts as a consumer but also produces competent human resources,” said the minister.
Although AI is touted as a companion or assistant to humans, there are still challenges to face. The Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, revealed that AI is not yet fully optimal, so negligence and errors often occur.
One example is the emergence of AI technology that is trained to be biased and discriminatory towards certain races and religions. In addition, weak privacy security and minimal supervision are problems that must be addressed immediately.
According to him, the use of AI must have trustworthy governance principles that protect against all risks. Therefore, security, inclusion, and responsibility must be upheld.
He also advised that even though AI is already and will continue to be increasingly widespread, technological ethics must still be upheld.
“Master AI, don’t let AI master us,” said the deputy minister.
In line with the deputy minister, Panji Wasmana, the Director of the National Technology Officer of Microsoft Indonesia, said that critical thinking skills must accompany the use of AI.
Often, people swallow raw information provided by AI without checking its accuracy. Strengthening students’ ethics and basic values is needed so that AI does not drive humans.
“We must be the pilots, let AI be the co-pilots,” he concluded.
Author: Tiefany
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto