Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Stella Christie, has emphasized that critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity are the essential foundations young Indonesians need to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
Education Must Prioritize Human Thinking Skills
Stella said the rapid advancement of AI should serve as an opportunity to strengthen human capital through an education system that goes beyond technical skills and focuses on developing uniquely human cognitive abilities.
She warned that if students are trained only to perform tasks that AI can already accomplish, they risk being replaced by AI technologies in the future.
According to Stella, humanity's greatest strengths lie in reasoning, critical thinking, and innovation. Therefore, education should create opportunities for students to cultivate these capabilities from an early age.
Curiosity Drives Creativity
Stella highlighted curiosity as the foundation of creativity, explaining that it encourages learners to ask questions, explore new ideas, and independently discover knowledge.
She stressed that without curiosity, creativity cannot flourish, making inquisitiveness an essential mindset for lifelong learning.
She also noted that active learning approaches, which encourage students to think critically, make decisions, solve problems, and learn through hands-on experiences, can be fostered through play-based activities as well as the effective use of digital technologies.
Stella called on parents, educators, and the wider community to nurture a culture of curiosity and critical thinking in everyday life, ensuring younger generations are well prepared to navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by rapidly evolving AI technologies.
Conclusion
By fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking alongside digital literacy, Indonesia aims to prepare its younger generation with the uniquely human skills needed to succeed in an AI-driven future.
Read more: Indonesia's Manpower Minister Says AI Skills Are Key to Strengthening Workforce Competitiveness in the Digital Era