Jakarta, INTI - Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, believes that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial services sector has entered a new phase with the emergence of Agentic AI technology.
This technology enables AI systems to automatically perform decision-making, including the potential to execute transactions. This development also introduces new risks that must be anticipated through adequate governance and regulation.
"If agentic AI is granted specific decision-making authority, it can also execute transactions. Furthermore, these transactions take place between agentic AI systems. AI communicates with another AI to decide on the transaction," said Nezar during the OJK Digination Day 2026 event in South Jakarta on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Risks of Agentic AI in Independently Making Decisions
According to Nezar, this development shifts the perspective regarding the risks associated with AI adoption in the financial industry. When AI is used just as a support tool, the final decision remains in human hands. However, risks escalate when AI systems are authorized to make decisions and independently execute actions.
Errors in such highly autonomous systems could directly affect transactions and consumers.
"The risks are certainly significant, so we must prepare mitigation strategies and regulations regarding this matter starting now," said Nezar.
Therefore, the government needs to establish a governance framework before the use of highly autonomous AI becomes widespread. The framework should cover regulations on the limits of AI authority, human oversight mechanisms, accountability for generated decisions, data protection and security, and risk mitigation for interactions between different AI systems.
Government Regulation Plans
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) also has a reference for promoting responsible AI adoption through Circular Letter of the Minister of Communication and Informatics Number 9 of 2023 concerning Artificial Intelligence Ethics.
The government is also preparing a National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap and AI ethics guidelines as part of efforts to strengthen the artificial intelligence governance framework in Indonesia.
Beyond regulatory aspects, the development of AI is also shifting the competency requirements for human resources in the financial sector. According to Nezar, it is not enough for talent to simply possess the ability to use AI technology. They must also understand data governance, AI risk management, cybersecurity, and principles of ethics and accountability.
Nezar believes there is a strategic opportunity for collaboration between Komdigi and the Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK) to ensure that AI innovation in the financial sector continues to thrive without compromising security or public protection.
“This collaboration between the Ministry and the OJK will serve as the backbone of a digital financial ecosystem that is both innovative and secure,” he emphasized.
For the public, strengthening AI governance is increasingly critical, as decisions generated by AI systems in the financial sector can directly impact transactions, financial services, personal data, and access to various financial products.
The government must also ensure that technological advancements are accompanied by clear accountability mechanisms for instances where AI-generated decisions result in risks or losses for users.
Conclusion
Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria believes that the emergence of agentic AI is ushering the financial services sector into a new phase, as this technology can make decisions more autonomously. The government needs to establish regulations and governance frameworks addressing the limits of AI authority, human oversight, accountability, data security, and consumer protection. The government is currently preparing a National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap and AI ethics guidelines.
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