Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Dr. Nezar Patria, stated that human resources are the greatest asset in driving technological advancement.
Therefore, the government expects universities to prepare graduates ready to lead the artificial intelligence (AI) technology revolution.
Dr. Patria emphasized that AI is not merely a trend but a technological revolution shaping human life. For this reason, researchers at universities need to enhance their studies on AI applications in industry and their usefulness in daily life.
“I believe there is room to grow in terms of research quality, but AI itself is not a limitation,” said Dr. Patria during the international seminar Night of Ideas 2025 with the theme “Enhancing AI Society through Humanities Sciences: Freedom to Act, Ability to Do,” held in a hybrid format on Tuesday (Apr. 22) at the Multimedia Room, UGM Central Office.
He reaffirmed that universities serve as engines of research innovation and play a role in ethical AI development. He also expressed hope for optimism and collective support in utilizing AI for better purposes.
“Let us use AI with optimism, courage, and a shared commitment to move forward together,” he said.
UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, stated that UGM is committed to promoting the development and utilization of AI to enhance the quality of research, education, and community service.
UGM also supports efforts to develop AI from the perspective of social sciences and humanities.
According to Professor Udasmoro, discussions on AI in the context of social sciences and humanities remain limited. This is especially important in today’s era, when the media is no longer solely under state institutions but has become a highly personal domain.
The freedom to produce, edit, and disseminate information often overlooks humanitarian considerations.
“AI is one of the most advanced products of human intelligence. However, if we fail to cultivate critical awareness and internal discernment, it could clash with shared values,” she explained.
The Director of the Institut Français Indonesia (IFI) Yogyakarta, Francois Dabin, noted that utilizing AI poses major challenges, such as information dependency, protection of fundamental rights, and job displacement.
Collaborative efforts to apply AI for the public good are essential.
“Together with UGM, we have chosen to take a more specific approach by using artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance collective intelligence and strengthen human resource capacity,” he concluded.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Firsto