Jakarta, INTI - The West Sumatra Provincial Government, in collaboration with Ruangguru, has provided artificial intelligence (AI) training for school principals, teachers, and senior high school and vocational school students across West Sumatra. The initiative aims to support the effective use of technology in the learning process.
The AI literacy training was held through the AI Ready ASEAN Program, supported by Ruangguru and the ASEAN Foundation, in Padang on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
“We appreciate and commend Ruangguru Foundation for collaborating in the implementation of the AI Ready ASEAN Program in West Sumatra and for providing strong support to ensure the success of this event,” West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah said while opening the training.
Mahyeldi said the rapid development of AI literacy should be viewed positively by the education sector, as the technology can enhance learning when used appropriately and responsibly.
Teachers Encouraged to Strengthen Students’ Critical Thinking
The West Sumatra Government emphasized that the growing openness of information means education must go beyond simply providing students with knowledge. Schools and teachers must also equip students with the ability to evaluate information and think critically.
“Education is no longer simply about teaching students what they need to know. With information becoming increasingly accessible, teachers must equip students with critical-thinking skills. They should also encourage students to become more independent and able to distinguish between accurate and misleading information,” Mahyeldi said.
The AI Ready ASEAN Program is expected to benefit schools by strengthening the ability of teachers and students to incorporate AI into the learning process.
Students are also encouraged not to rely on AI simply as a tool for obtaining quick answers. Instead, they are expected to understand problems, formulate questions, explore potential solutions, and take responsibility for the choices they make.
Critical-thinking skills therefore remain essential as AI becomes increasingly integrated into education.
Students Encouraged to Become More Than Technology Users
Mahyeldi emphasized that young people need to develop the ability to understand and use technology productively so they can eventually create innovations that benefit society.
“We do not want young people to become merely users of technology developed by others. We want them to understand technology, use it productively, and eventually create innovations that benefit society. This is where the role of teachers and schools is particularly important,” he said.
Through the training, schools and teachers are expected to guide students in using AI appropriately and responsibly while continuing to develop their independence and critical-thinking abilities.
Conclusion
The integration of AI into education offers Indonesia an opportunity to improve learning while preparing students for an increasingly digital future. Through initiatives such as AI Ready ASEAN, teachers and students are being encouraged to develop not only practical AI skills but also the critical thinking needed to evaluate information and use technology responsibly. Strong collaboration between schools, educators, and technology partners will be key to ensuring AI becomes a tool for meaningful learning and innovation, rather than simply a shortcut to finding answers.
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