Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia is stepping into a new era of artificial intelligence (AI) with strategic measures to ensure that this technology is utilized responsibly and ethically. The government, through the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo), has issued an important policy: Circular Letter No. 9 of 2023 on Artificial Intelligence Ethics, released in December 2023. This policy serves as an ethical guideline for the development and use of AI in Indonesia, emphasizing that innovation must be encouraged but balanced with strong ethical principles.
Deputy Minister of Kominfo, Nezar Patria, stated that the Indonesian government is committed to continuously promoting AI technology innovation with a balanced approach. He emphasized that the AI Ethical Guidelines are the first step toward more comprehensive regulations, including potential legislation.
“This circular, along with future regulations, prioritizes innovation. We do not want to stifle innovation, but at the same time, we must ensure that ethics guide the development of AI technology,” said Nezar Patria during a press conference at the Kominfo office, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
AI Adoption in Various Sectors
Globally, AI has been adopted by various industries, from healthcare to financial services. According to Nezar Patria, this development is also gaining attention in Indonesia, where many sectors are starting to adopt AI technology.
“AI is already being used in many sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and financial services. Many companies use AI for stock market projections and to streamline business processes. In Indonesia, this adoption is increasing,” Nezar explained.
At a global forum in Slovenia hosted by UNESCO, ethical issues in AI development were a central topic. In Indonesia, the global progress in AI serves as a benchmark for formulating relevant and responsible policies.
Ethical Guidelines: Maximizing Benefits, Minimizing Risks
The government, through Kominfo, has prepared ethical guidelines for AI developers and users. The main objective of these guidelines is to maximize the benefits of AI use while minimizing the associated risks.
“The principle is to maximize the benefits of AI and minimize the risks. These ethical guidelines will serve as a reference for developers, ensuring their AI products align with the established ethical values,” said Deputy Minister Nezar Patria.
The values embedded in the AI Ethical Guidelines cover inclusivity, security, personal data protection, accessibility, and sustainable environmental development. Intellectual Property Rights are also a critical aspect of these guidelines. The government hopes that these guidelines will provide legal comfort for investors looking to develop AI products in Indonesia.
A Comprehensive Regulatory Framework
Indonesia already has several regulations that provide a legal foundation for minimizing the risks of AI use. These include the Law No. 1 of 2024 on Information and Electronic Transactions, and the Personal Data Protection Law No. 27 of 2022. Although these regulations do not specifically govern AI, they still provide protection against the potential negative impacts of AI development.
“We already have regulatory frameworks that can mitigate the risks of AI. Although they don’t specifically address AI, these regulations help prevent potential risks, particularly related to data security and electronic transactions,” Nezar stated.
The steps taken by Indonesia demonstrate the country’s commitment to using AI technology in an ethical, responsible manner, while still fostering innovation.