Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia's Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) of the House of Representatives has highlighted the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on job security and workforce readiness amid growing automation. The issue was raised at the Global Parliamentary Forum 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 12–13, 2026.
The Indonesian delegation was led by BKSAP Chairman Syahrul Aidi Maazat, accompanied by Deputy Chairman Ravindra Airlangga and BKSAP member Sigit Purnomo.
Held alongside the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, the forum brought together parliamentarians from various countries with senior leaders and officials from the two international financial institutions.
Discussions covered global economic challenges, including job creation, private investment mobilization, and the use of AI to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
BKSAP Warns of AI's Potential to Replace Human Jobs
During the forum, the Indonesian delegation raised three strategic issues related to technological change and the global economy.
These included job security amid AI advancements and automation, the environmental implications of energy and water consumption, and the importance of measuring development through job quality and productivity.
Syahrul emphasized that AI development must be accompanied by policies that protect employment while improving workforce skills.
“These issues are relevant to Indonesia, given the challenges of ensuring equitable energy infrastructure across an archipelagic nation and preparing workers for digital transformation,” Syahrul said in a written statement received in Jakarta on October 20, 2026.
The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician stressed that AI should improve productivity and create new economic opportunities without overlooking the risk of job losses caused by automation.
He also highlighted the need to consider energy requirements, water availability, and environmental sustainability in digital technology development.
World Bank Projects 1.2 Billion Young People Will Reach Working Age
At the Global Parliamentary Forum 2026, the World Bank projected that approximately 1.2 billion young people in developing economies would reach working age over the next 10 to 15 years.
However, only around 400 million jobs are projected to become available during that period.
This indicates a potential gap of approximately 800 million between the number of young people entering the workforce and the projected availability of jobs.
The issue is particularly significant for developing countries seeking to expand employment opportunities while improving job quality.
The Indonesian delegation also stressed that economic development should not be measured solely by gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
Job quality, labor productivity, and equitable access to economic opportunities should also be considered when evaluating development policies.
IMF and World Bank Highlight the Need for AI Readiness
In response to the issues raised by Indonesia, the IMF explained that a country's preparedness for AI depends on several key factors, including infrastructure availability, workforce skills, access to training, and local labor market conditions.
The World Bank noted that AI could improve productivity across various economic sectors, including agriculture.
However, the adoption of AI must reflect each country's economic needs and characteristics to ensure its benefits are widely shared.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of policies that anticipate changing workforce skill requirements as automation becomes more widespread.
Indonesian Parliament Calls for Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Transformation
BKSAP's participation in the Global Parliamentary Forum 2026 forms part of Indonesia's parliamentary diplomacy efforts to address global development challenges and economic change.
Through the forum, the Indonesian delegation exchanged perspectives with international parliamentarians and financial institutions on strategies to create quality employment.
BKSAP also highlighted parliament's role in shaping policies, allocating budgets, and overseeing development programs to address the challenges of digital transformation.
Strengthening infrastructure, upgrading workforce skills, and expanding economic opportunities remain essential to navigating rapid AI advancements.
Indonesia's participation is expected to support policy development that harnesses technological progress while safeguarding employment sustainability and promoting more equitable economic growth.
Conclusion
Indonesia is calling for inclusive AI policies that balance technological advancement with job security. Strengthening workforce skills, expanding employment opportunities, and investing in digital infrastructure are essential to ensuring automation supports sustainable and equitable economic growth.
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