JAKARTA — The Institute for Community Studies and Advocacy (ELSAM), a think tank organization, stated that many countries are currently competing to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to seek added value. This trend is in line with the increasingly rapid use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) throughout the world. This was conveyed by the Executive Director of ELSAM, Wahyudi Djafar, at the National Workshop: Launch of the Transformation Policy Manifesto, Recommendations for Optimizing Indonesia's Digital Economy in Jakarta, Tuesday (20/8/2024).
"Countries in the world are competing to gain more benefits from technological developments," said Wahyudi.
However, Wahyudi emphasized that countries also face various risks and challenges related to the development of AI technology. He highlighted the importance of special discussions regarding governance models that are able to respond to developments in AI technology, with a focus on developing technology that is trustworthy, technically sound, ethical, and in accordance with legal and regulatory principles. "This is what we are trying to present in the trajectory of using artificial intelligence in the development of the digital economy and governance models for Indonesia," he explained.
Apart from that, Wahyudi added that ELSAM also looks at the opportunities and challenges presented by AI technology, including the disruption that may occur. This organization examines the direction of national development by referring to important documents, such as the National Long Term Development Plan 2025-2045, which is used as a reference for achieving a Golden Indonesia. ELSAM is also reviewing the 2025-2029 National Medium Term Development Plan, which will be formulated in conjunction with the vision and mission of the elected president and vice president for the 2024-2029 period.
Apart from that, ELSAM also analyzed various other documents which are expected to support the achievement of a Golden Indonesia, including the vision of Digital Indonesia 2045 which was developed by the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kemenkominfo). Wahyudi also mentioned the digital economy strategy prepared by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and other official documents which have included AI as a keyword for optimization in various fields in Indonesia.
Wahyudi emphasized the importance of a human-centered approach in the development of AI technology and its governance. In this way, it is hoped that AI will be created that is responsible and trustworthy, as well as non-discriminatory, inclusive, transparent, accountable and protects privacy. "This also includes ensuring human safety is maintained with control remaining in human hands," he concluded.
