Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia's Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Rusdi Kirana, emphasized that the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) should strengthen the country's constitutional economy, support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), improve productivity, and deliver tangible benefits for public welfare in line with Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution.
He delivered the remarks during a public discussion titled "A New Direction for the Constitutional Economy", held at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday, July 20, 2026.
The event coincided with the opening of the People's Economy Bazaar and brought together academics, economists, business leaders, public policy experts, as well as representatives from the MPR, the government, and the National Awakening Party (PKB).
AI Should Empower the People's Economy
Rusdi said the discussion reflected a commitment to ensuring Indonesia's economic policies remain grounded in constitutional principles by placing the people at the center of national development.
"This is more than a political narrative or campaign slogan. It is a genuine commitment to realign our national economic policies with the Constitution while achieving social justice for all Indonesians," he said.
He noted that Indonesia is experiencing significant transformation driven by rapid advances in AI, robotics, and the digital economy, all of which are reshaping the way people work, produce goods, and make decisions.
"We should not fear change. What we should fear is allowing change to distance us from our national identity. We must embrace innovation while maintaining our commitment to serving the people," Rusdi emphasized.
As a business leader himself, Rusdi said adapting to AI is a shared challenge that requires the government to ensure technological progress remains aligned with national interests.
"Technology is only a tool. Our ultimate goal remains the same: achieving the greatest prosperity for the people. AI should become an instrument to improve public services, expand access to education, increase the productivity of farmers and fishermen, strengthen MSMEs, and create new opportunities for younger generations," he said.
He also stressed that Indonesia should not merely become a consumer of global technology but must develop innovations capable of creating greater value for the national economy.
"We want AI to help farmers increase crop yields, enable fishermen to forecast weather more accurately, empower MSMEs to reach broader markets, and provide students, teachers, and young innovators with the tools to build a better future," he added.
Effective Implementation Remains the Key Challenge
During the same event, PKB Chairman Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar said that President Prabowo Subianto's new economic direction is on the right track, but effective implementation remains the country's biggest challenge.
"The main issue lies in execution. The direction may be new, but our way of working must also change. That is what we need to improve together," he said.
Muhaimin expressed hope that the public discussion would generate strategic recommendations for both the government and the House of Representatives to strengthen the implementation of Indonesia's constitutional economy, particularly in supporting MSMEs amid global economic dynamics and rapid technological advancement.
The discussion was part of the 28th anniversary celebration of PKB, reaffirming the party's commitment to promoting an economic development model that embraces technological innovation while remaining rooted in Indonesia's constitutional values.
Conclusion
Rusdi Kirana emphasized that Artificial Intelligence should serve as a tool for inclusive economic development rather than technology for its own sake. By supporting MSMEs, improving productivity, and expanding opportunities for communities, AI can help strengthen Indonesia's constitutional economy while delivering broader social and economic benefits.
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