Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) is urging digital platforms to improve transparency in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic management, enabling the public to better understand how information is created, displayed, and distributed online.

Transparency is becoming increasingly important as AI technologies develop the ability to generate content that resembles human opinions, including through automated accounts or bots. Without sufficient disclosure, users may find it difficult to distinguish authentic conversations from content generated or distributed automatically.

Komdigi emphasizes the need to label AI-generated content, clearly explain content moderation and restriction decisions, and provide accessible complaint and appeal mechanisms. These measures are intended to protect the public’s right to access information, express opinions, and choose what information they want to receive.

“Moderation should focus not on the account itself, but on the content being distributed,” said Mediodecci Lustarini, Secretary of the Directorate General of Digital Space Supervision at Komdigi, during a dialogue on AI use and suspected bot accounts on social media in Central Jakarta on October 22, 2026.

According to Mediodecci, the use of automated accounts does not automatically constitute a violation. Assessments should be based on the content itself, patterns of misuse, and evidence of violations under applicable regulations.

The public retains the right to express opinions, support, and criticism of the government. Differences in viewpoints or an account’s apparent political leanings should therefore not serve as the sole basis for restricting its activities.

“What needs to be examined is whether the content violates applicable rules or is used for activities that harm the public. Criticism of the government is part of freedom of expression and must not be treated as a violation simply because it reflects a different viewpoint,” she explained.

Regarding allegations that information about forest and land fires was being restricted on social media, Komdigi reiterated that it had never asked digital platforms to remove or limit content related to these incidents.

“Information about forest and land fires shared by the public is very important as input for the government in supporting response efforts on the ground,” Mediodecci said.

Komdigi is also encouraging platforms to provide transparent explanations whenever content reach is restricted, including when such limitations result from community guidelines or algorithmic recommendation systems.

AI Responses Are Not Evidence: Information Must Be Verified

In response to the circulation of Meta AI-generated answers linked to allegations of restrictions on forest and land fire content, Komdigi has requested clarification from Meta.

Mediodecci explained that responses generated by AI chatbots should not automatically be considered official company statements, much less evidence of government instructions without verifiable documentation or confirmation.

AI technology can produce convincing-sounding information that is not supported by accurate facts. This phenomenon is known as AI hallucination.

“AI can help people find and understand information, but its answers are not always correct. Therefore, important information must still be checked against credible sources, especially when it concerns government policies or allegations against specific parties,” she said.

Komdigi encourages the public to adopt the principle of “trust but verify” by using AI critically, checking sources, comparing information, and avoiding the immediate distribution of unverified AI-generated responses.

Allegations of Opinion Manipulation Require Evidence

Cybersecurity expert Alfons Tanujaya explained that AI technology enables the creation of content and the automated operation of accounts, including generating posts, adapting writing styles, and responding to conversations on social media.

These capabilities can be used by different parties for various purposes, including expressing support for or criticism of the government.

“Allegations that bots are being used to shape public opinion must be examined objectively. An account’s apparent political stance is not sufficient evidence of manipulation,” Alfons emphasized.

He noted that polished writing, uniform language, or a high frequency of posts alone cannot establish that an account is operated by AI.

Alfons also stressed the importance of government transparency and openness to public information and criticism.

“The government should be open to criticism and provide information. It should actually be grateful for it,” he said.

The public can also help maintain the quality of online discussions by verifying information, recognizing signs of coordinated inauthentic behavior, and reporting suspected technology misuse to platforms.

However, any assessment or action against an account requires objective examination to avoid unjustifiably restricting freedom of expression.

Platforms Must Be Accountable, and Users Must Have Control Over Information

The principles of AI transparency and accountability are reflected in Minister of Communication and Informatics Circular Letter No. 9 of 2023 on Artificial Intelligence Ethics.

The guidelines emphasize transparency, security, credibility, accountability, and the protection of user rights in the development and use of AI technologies.

The government is also preparing to strengthen national AI governance through a draft presidential regulation on AI ethics and the National AI Roadmap for 2026–2029.

In line with these principles, Komdigi is urging digital platforms to disclose more information about their use of AI, clarify content moderation policies, and provide accessible complaint and appeal procedures.

Algorithmic transparency is also necessary to give people a better understanding of, and greater control over, the information presented to them. This includes allowing users to manage their information preferences rather than relying entirely on automated platform recommendations.

Komdigi stressed that a healthy digital environment requires shared responsibility among the government, digital platforms, AI developers, and the public.

With greater transparency, people can use technology more critically, access information that can be independently verified, and retain the freedom to express support and criticism responsibly.

Conclusion 

Komdigi is calling for greater AI and algorithmic transparency to protect public access to information and freedom of expression. Clear AI labeling, accountable content moderation, and accessible appeal mechanisms are essential to building a trustworthy digital ecosystem while ensuring users can make informed decisions about the content they consume.

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