Jakarta, INTI - The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) is encouraging young people in Eastern Indonesia to strengthen their Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills so they can leverage technological advancements to improve productivity and develop their businesses.
Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria emphasized that the Makassar Center for Human Resources Development (BBLSDM Komdigi) plays a strategic role in preparing digital talent capable of adapting to technological changes and meeting evolving workforce demands.
"Young people should not be afraid of this technology. Instead, we should master it and use AI as an assistant, a tool, and a partner in carrying out our tasks and projects. With AI support, we can achieve better results," Nezar said during a discussion with employees at the Komdigi Human Resources Training Center in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Makassar Strengthens Digital Talent Development in Eastern Indonesia
According to Nezar, Makassar holds a strategic position as a digital talent development hub for Eastern Indonesia. Therefore, BBLSDM Komdigi Makassar needs to expand its training programs to reduce the digital skills gap while equipping young people with competencies relevant to employment, government institutions, and business activities.
"We need to close the existing digital talent gap by training more young people in Eastern Indonesia in digital skills and emerging technologies, while encouraging them to adopt these technologies in the sectors where they work," he explained.
Strengthening digital skills is also aimed at helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) adopt technology to improve their productivity.
Nezar stressed that training programs must deliver tangible benefits to the development of the regional digital ecosystem.
"We are also helping many MSMEs that are trying to adopt digital technologies. The key is to ensure that this well-established training center becomes even stronger and creates a greater impact on the digital ecosystem in Eastern Indonesia," Nezar said.
He also highlighted the rapid development of AI, ranging from generative AI to AI agents and agentic AI, which can independently perform various tasks.
These developments require younger generations to continuously learn and upgrade their skills to keep pace with technological advancements.
"The wave of new Artificial Intelligence technology is extraordinary and highly dynamic. Almost every day, we hear news about AI and new innovations. Its development continues to surprise many people. This technology never remains in one form. As soon as one technology is adopted, new innovations emerge," he explained.
Human-Centered AI Adoption Remains a Priority
Despite the opportunities AI offers, Nezar emphasized that humans must remain in control of how the technology is used. AI should be positioned as a supporting tool to enhance productivity rather than a technology that takes control away from people.
"Do not make AI your master. Make it your worker. Humans must remain at the center. The human-in-the-center or human-in-the-loop approach is essential. That is why we must master the technology," he stressed.
Conclusion
Indonesia is strengthening AI and digital skills development among young people in Eastern Indonesia to improve workforce readiness, business productivity, and regional digital competitiveness. Through expanded training programs and MSME technology adoption, Komdigi aims to narrow the digital talent gap while ensuring that AI remains a tool that supports human capabilities and decision-making.
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