By: Exclusive Interview with Dr. Adhiguna Mahendra, M.Sc, M.Eng
Faculty Member at Swiss German University, Lead Instructor at AI SmartX Academy

Jakarta, INTI - This article is based on an exclusive interview with Dr. Adhiguna Mahendra, M.Sc, M.Eng, a leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert in Indonesia, who is also a faculty member at Swiss German University and the Lead Instructor at AI SmartX Academy. In this interview, Dr. Adhiguna shares deep insights into how digital transformation can serve as a cornerstone in realizing the ambitious vision of Asta Cita, outlined by President Prabowo Subianto.

According to Dr. Adhiguna, Asta Cita is not merely a strategic plan but a roadmap to advance Indonesia toward progress, independence, and sovereignty. “This vision encapsulates eight strategic objectives, including strengthening ideology, developing human resources, ensuring environmental sustainability, and achieving national self-reliance. However, to accomplish this, we need comprehensive digital transformation that not only enhances technology but also aligns with the nation’s core values,” he explained.

Digital transformation, he emphasized, is the solution to addressing significant challenges such as infrastructure disparities, unemployment, and limited educational access in remote areas. “A strong digital infrastructure is the foundation to ensure that this transformation reaches all levels of society, including the underprivileged regions,” Dr. Adhiguna asserted.

Digital Transformation: Accelerating Asta Cita’s Achievement

Digital transformation plays a crucial role in speeding up the realization of Asta Cita across various sectors. Dr. Adhiguna highlighted how technologies like AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Digital Twin can revolutionize multiple areas of development.

One of the key areas discussed was the strengthening of Pancasila ideology. Dr. Adhiguna explained that AI could be utilized to monitor public opinion on social media in real-time using technologies like Knowledge Graph and Natural Language Processing (NLP). “With these technologies, we can detect harmful narratives that threaten social harmony, enabling quicker mitigation efforts,” he elaborated.

Additionally, technology can support national resilience. AI can analyze energy demands based on spatial data, while IoT enables real-time monitoring of food distribution, minimizing risks of shortages. “In defense, swarm-based drones equipped with Computer Vision offer efficient surveillance without requiring human operators,” he added.

Education and Human Resource Development in the Digital Era

Dr. Adhiguna emphasized the critical importance of education and human resource (HR) development in achieving Asta Cita. He pointed out that technology has the potential to revolutionize the education sector. “AI allows for personalized learning, where each student can receive education tailored to their needs. This is a tremendous opportunity to enhance education quality in Indonesia,” he said.

He also highlighted the role of Generative AI in creating interactive and engaging educational content. AI-based learning platforms can bridge the educational gap, especially in remote areas with limited resources.

In the labor sector, AI can be used to map industry needs in real-time. This technology facilitates the creation of quality jobs by matching market demands with the available workforce's skills. “This is an essential step to ensure that our human resources are prepared to face the challenges of the digital era,” he remarked.

Preserving Ethics and National Values in Technology

While technology offers immense opportunities, Dr. Adhiguna stressed the importance of maintaining ethics in its development. “Technology, especially AI, must be used to promote societal well-being and uphold national identity. If poorly managed, it can create a new moral order that erodes our spiritual and cultural values,” he cautioned.

He cited examples of how Generative AI could be used to preserve local culture by producing educational materials on traditions and regional languages. “Technology should serve as a tool to safeguard culture, not to erase it,” he added.

Clear regulations and robust governance are essential to prevent technology from being misused. Dr. Adhiguna reminded us that every technological innovation must be grounded in the spiritual and ethical values that form Indonesia’s national identity.

Data and Facts: Digital Transformation in Indonesia

Indonesia’s digital transformation progress is already evident, although challenges remain. According to the latest report from the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) in 2024, 82% of the population is now connected to the internet. Programs like Satu Data Indonesia and OneMap Nusantara have integrated over 60% of government data, providing a solid foundation for data-driven decision-making.

However, digital disparities in the 3T (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost) regions remain a significant hurdle. “If we aim for an inclusive digital transformation, these regions must be our top priority,” Dr. Adhiguna emphasized.

Technology for National Prosperity

The grand vision of Asta Cita is a dream that requires hard work, collaboration, and the careful use of technology. Digital transformation, particularly through AI, is a tool that can accelerate this vision’s achievement. However, as Dr. Adhiguna reminded us, technology must be managed prudently and aligned with the nation’s core values.

“Technology is not just a tool; it is a responsibility. We have a great opportunity to create a more progressive, inclusive, and sovereign Indonesia, but this must be done in a way that respects our identity and spiritual values,” he concluded.

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