The Dean of UGM’s Faculty of Philosophy, Dr. Siti Murtiningsih, has been inaugurated as a professor of educational philosophy at UGM.
During the inauguration ceremony at UGM’s Senate Hall on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, Professor Murtiningsih delivered a speech titled ‘Educating Humans alongside Machines: Philosophy of Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.’
Professor Murti, as she is affectionately called, explained that modern artificial intelligence uses computational models like neural networks that process input data to produce output.
Although these systems can simulate human reasoning and decision-making, she emphasized that they do not actually “understand” or imply genuine belief in their outputs.
Some experts argue against this, suggesting that if an entity behaves as if it has beliefs, it’s reasonable to treat it as having beliefs.
“Considering various perspectives on knowledge and value, especially about machines, I believe that in this era of artificial intelligence, we should neither fully delegate education to machines nor reject their involvement in the educational process,” she elaborated.
Professor Murti argued that incorporating machines into education offers more creative learning models, personalized learning experiences tailored to teachers’ and students’ needs, and more inclusive data-driven learning outcomes.
“Inclusivity can begin by ending the capitalist education system that commodifies knowledge and turns students into mere consumers of digital content without empowering them as free learners,” said Professor Murti, who is also the wife of Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria.
Professor Murti noted that the scope of educational philosophy in the AI era involves the goals of education, how the process should unfold, and the epistemic and ethical relationship between humans and non-human agents.
“Thus, ‘educating humans alongside machines’ emphasizes two important points: first, the primary subject of education is humans, and second, non-human entities like machines can be involved in the educational process,” she conveyed.
UGM’s Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, noted that Professor Murti is one of UGM’s 525 active professors. Additionally, she is one of only four active professors from 10 that the Faculty of Philosophy has ever had.
Her two-hour inauguration ceremony was attended by 22 university representatives and several government officials, including the Indonesian Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid; the Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono; Deputy Minister of Industry, Faisol Riza; and former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Professor Mahfud MD.
Other notable guests included writer Eka Kurniawan and musician Pramulo Radjadin Daeng Lau, also known as Lilo of Kla Project.
Author: Lazuardi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang
Photographs by: Donnie and Erwan