Jakarta, INTI - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Pratikno, said that the government will limit the use of instant artificial intelligence (AI) for elementary and secondary school (SD–SMA) students.
This policy is part of a Joint Decree (SKB) from seven ministries about guidelines for the use of digital technology and AI in education.
Pratikno announced this at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Kemenko PMK) office in Central Jakarta on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Pratikno explained that the guidelines regulate several aspects of digital technology use in educational environments and settings, from the user's age, the child’s readiness, duration of use, to the types of technology that students are allowed to use.
"So, for example, elementary and secondary schools are not allowed to use instant AI, such as asking questions on ChatGPT and so on. However, the use of AI in elementary school, for example, is already designed for educational needs," said Pratikno.
The Use of Technology and AI for Educational Purposes is Allowed
He emphasized that this policy does not mean the government prohibits the use of technology in the learning process. The government continues to encourage the use of AI, as long as the technology is specifically designed for educational purposes.
"So, this isn't prohibited, no. Because we also need to utilize technology to support education. For example, robotics simulations. Yes, robotics simulations for elementary education can use AI, but they are specifically designed for educational purposes," he said.
According to Pratikno, limiting the use of instant AI is necessary to avoid negative impacts on children's cognitive development. One of these is a phenomenon known as brain rot and cognitive debt.
Conclusion
The government will limit the use of instant AIs like ChatGPT for elementary to secondary school students. This policy is part of the guidelines in a Joint Decree (SKB) from seven ministries about technology and AI use in education. The purpose of this policy is to prevent negative impacts on students' cognitive skills. However, technology and AI use are allowed as long as they are designed for educational purposes.
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