Jakarta, INTI - The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is creating broader opportunities for young people to develop creative works, drive innovation, and build technology-based businesses. However, technological expertise alone is no longer enough. Future talent must also be equipped with critical thinking skills, an understanding of user needs, the ability to identify opportunities, and the capacity to turn ideas into solutions that create value for society and industry.

To address these needs, BINUS University is strengthening its commitment to developing Indonesia’s digital talent by expanding access to Artificial Intelligence education across the country. The commitment was demonstrated through the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Program at BINUS @Bandung, held at the BINUS @Bandung Paskal Campus on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

The program is part of BINUS’ AI Empowers @ BINUS initiative, which integrates AI knowledge and applications into the learning ecosystem. Students are encouraged not only to become technology users, but also to understand how AI can be developed and applied strategically, ethically, and responsibly.

BINUS University Rector Dr. Nelly, S.Kom., M.M., said AI expertise should be directed toward fostering innovations that deliver meaningful benefits for Indonesia.

“The expansion of the Artificial Intelligence Program reflects BINUS University’s commitment to providing broader opportunities for Indonesian youth to master the technologies of the future. We want them not only to become technology users, but also innovators capable of developing solutions and creating positive impacts for society,” Dr. Nelly said.

The launch of the Artificial Intelligence Program at BINUS @Bandung also strengthens the campus’ Creative Technology Entrepreneurship approach. This approach connects creativity, technological expertise, and entrepreneurial capabilities, enabling students to transform ideas into innovations that deliver both social and economic value.

Dr. Johan Muliadi Kerta, S.Kom., M.M., Director of BINUS @Bandung Campus, said Bandung has a strong creative ecosystem and a highly engaged younger generation, creating significant opportunities to develop AI-driven innovations.

“Bandung has a young generation with strong creativity and a willingness to experiment. Through the Artificial Intelligence Program at BINUS @Bandung, we want to help students transform that creativity into technology-based innovations that offer value, can be implemented, and have the potential to become business opportunities,” Dr. Johan said.

Beyond Technical Skills: Building Innovative AI Talent 

According to Johan, students need to understand that an idea should not stop at becoming a creative work. It should address user and market needs while creating tangible value. Students are therefore also encouraged to develop an entrepreneurial mindset so that their innovations can be implemented and scaled more broadly.

From an academic perspective, BINUS University’s Artificial Intelligence Program features a multidisciplinary curriculum combining mathematics, data science, machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Derwin Suhartono, S.Kom., M.T.I., Dean of the School of Computer Science at BINUS University, emphasized that the challenge for young people is no longer simply learning how to use AI, but developing the competencies needed to work alongside the technology.

“The key question today is no longer whether AI will replace humans, but whether the younger generation has the competencies to work alongside AI. Students need a strong academic foundation that enables them to evaluate AI-generated results, develop solutions, and apply the technology strategically, ethically, and responsibly,” Prof. Derwin explained.

He added that human creativity remains a critical factor in AI development. The ability to understand problems, identify needs from different perspectives, and explore possibilities provides the foundation for creating relevant innovations.

Through project-based learning, students are therefore encouraged to use AI as a technology that strengthens their thinking and creative processes, from developing ideas and building prototypes to producing practical solutions.

Connecting AI Education with Industry Needs

The growing demand for AI talent across industries is also an important consideration in the development of the program. Pujo Laksono, CEO of Kazee Digital Indonesia, said industries need talent who can do more than operate various AI tools. They must also understand business needs and translate technology into practical solutions.

“Industries need talent who can use various AI tools while also demonstrating creativity and understanding business needs. Future talent must be able to translate technology into solutions, products, or services that deliver tangible value to companies and society,” Pujo said.

Collaboration between universities and industry is considered essential in giving students practical exposure to the real-world application of AI. This helps students understand that successful innovation is determined not only by technological sophistication, but also by its relevance, benefits, and value to users.

A similar perspective was shared by BINUS University alumnus Ethan Elnathan, who now works as an AI Engineer at Samsung R&D Institute Indonesia. He said project experience and exposure to industry are important foundations for navigating the rapid pace of technological change.

“Technology is developing very rapidly, making the ability to continuously learn, adapt, and explore new ideas increasingly important. My experience at BINUS helped me not only understand technology, but also learn how to work in teams, develop ideas, communicate them, and solve real-world problems,” Ethan said.

The launch of the Artificial Intelligence Program at BINUS @Bandung also serves as a platform connecting academia, industry, alumni, and young people to discuss AI development, future skills, and opportunities for applying the technology across various sectors.

The School of Computer Science at BINUS University views AI expertise not merely as an additional technical skill, but as a mindset that students need to develop. AI is expected to play an increasingly important role in driving efficiency and innovation across sectors, including creative industries, finance, manufacturing, education, public services, and healthcare.

Through the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Program at BINUS @Bandung and the spirit of #AIverywhereInBINUS, BINUS University aims to develop digital talent capable of combining technological expertise, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

With these capabilities, Indonesia’s younger generation is expected to transform ideas into creative works, turn those works into innovations, and ultimately develop innovations into solutions and business opportunities that create meaningful value for society and Indonesia.

Conclusion

Through the Artificial Intelligence Program at BINUS @Bandung, BINUS University aims to equip Indonesia’s younger generation with the technological expertise, creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive alongside AI. By connecting education, industry, and practical experience, the program encourages students to transform ideas into innovations, solutions, and business opportunities that create meaningful value for society and Indonesia. 

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