ITB Promotes Human-Centered AI: Collaboration Toward an Inclusive and Sovereign Indonesian AI Ecosystem

Bandung, 31 May 2025 – Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), through the School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (SEEI), held a national webinar discussing the roadmap for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in Indonesia. Conducted online on 31 May 2025, the event coincided with the commemoration of Parents’ Day and ahead of Pancasila Day, reflecting the importance of human values in the era of technological transformation...

The webinar served as a strategic dialogue platform for various stakeholders to formulate the future of AI in line with the aspirations of the Indonesian nation. Through three panel sessions discussing AI from diverse perspectives—global innovation, governance, and education—the event presented multidisciplinary viewpoints from academics, civil society organizations, and industry practitioners.

“We must return the direction of AI utilization to the right axis, namely human-centered AI. AI must be designed not to replace humans, but to strengthen human capacity,” stated Tutun Juhana, Dean of SEEI ITB, in his opening remarks. He also emphasized the importance of building a foundation of human readiness through strengthening ethics and critical thinking. For him, these two pillars are the foundation for the current generation to coexist with increasingly complex technology. . .

At the end of his remarks, Tutun invited all AI stakeholders to collaborate and jointly bear a dual responsibility: encouraging AI research and innovation that are relevant to national needs, while safeguarding ethics and values in technology. “Let us ensure that national values are not completely swept away. AI is never neutral; it is our task to ensure that it sides with humanity. Let us make AI not a threat to human dignity, but a tool that strengthens human worth,” he concluded. . .

Panel Discussion: AI as a Global Game Changer . .

The first panel session, titled “Global Game Changer: AI and the Future of World’s Leadership,” featured an in-depth discussion on Indonesia’s strategic position in the global AI landscape. The panel was moderated by Aribowo Sasmito, Co-Founder and Fact-Checker at the Indonesian Anti-Defamation Society (MAFINDO), and featured three key speakers from civil society and industry sectors...

Ardi Sutedja K., Chairman of the Indonesia Cybersecurity Forum (ICSF), presented a cybersecurity perspective in the context of sustainable digital transformation. He began by emphasizing the crucial role of awareness and understanding of advanced technologies so that Indonesian society does not remain merely a consumer. In addition, planning, risk awareness, and investment to support innovation and continuous training can help mitigate the negative impacts caused by technology.

“To address Indonesia’s lag and the negative impacts of new technologies such as AI, we need to view developments through a risk-based approach. This is not the work of one party, but a multi-stakeholder collaboration across various disciplines. Furthermore, AI governance and compliance standards must be prepared in developing and implementing AI,” Ardi stated.

From the telecommunications industry perspective, Ajar Edi, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at PT Indosat Tbk., discussed the challenges of transforming Indonesia from a technology consumer into a technology producer. He referred to the Paris Artificial Intelligence Summit to explain that there are two main perspectives adopted by countries in developing AI: ensuring strong regulation so that AI is inclusive, and concerns that regulation may hinder AI innovation...

Ajar then emphasized the importance of ensuring AI sovereignty in Indonesia to navigate the dynamics of global technological dominance. “The key is downstreaming. When the AI factory is in Indonesia, all data will be processed in Indonesia. As a result, solution applications can be utilized more optimally because developers understand the local language, culture, and ethical context. On the other hand, this will clearly provide economic benefits for Indonesia, becoming a new export commodity. However, it is important to ensure that the AI factory, the data centers with AI GPUs, are located in Indonesia,” he explained. . . . . . . .. . .

Panji Wasmana, National Technology Officer of Microsoft Indonesia, presented findings from the Work Trend Index 2025, which surveyed 31,000 workers across 31 countries, including Indonesia. The global research showed a fundamental transformation in the work ecosystem. Microsoft’s findings revealed that companies and organizations are increasingly utilizing agentic AI with autonomous decision-making and minimal human intervention. Based on the research, AI plays a significant role in increasing organizational productivity by filling capacity gaps that cannot yet be met by workers. . . . .

Panji then explained which capabilities will continue to give humans an advantage over AI, even as AI becomes increasingly sophisticated and widely used. The following five capabilities should be prioritized in education and innovation by educators and industry: AI literacy, conflict mitigation, adaptability, process optimization, and innovative thinking. He concluded by emphasizing the role of humans as drivers in the use of technology, including AI: “How do we empower users to have the culture, understand AI, recognize risks, and ensure that AI can be properly controlled, so that it can deliver the required functions and benefits in terms of security, sovereignty, and other aspects.” . . . . . .. . ., ...

A Strategic Momentum for Indonesia’s Digital Transformation

The organization of this webinar marks ITB’s commitment as a leading educational institution in the development of science and technology to lead public discourse on AI ethics and governance in Indonesia. The event is expected to strengthen the AI ecosystem and bring together experts and academics so that the future use of technology, especially AI, can develop productively in Indonesia.

The webinar “Humanizing Artificial Intelligence: Mapping and the Future of Indonesia’s Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem” represents a strategic step in building an inclusive and sustainable Indonesian AI ecosystem. By presenting multidisciplinary perspectives from various stakeholders, the event is expected to lay the foundation for a comprehensive roadmap for AI development and utilization.

Through an approach that prioritizes human values, the webinar aims to ensure that AI development in Indonesia not only emphasizes technological efficiency, but also contributes to improving overall societal welfare. This aligns with Indonesia’s efforts to actively participate in the global AI ecosystem while maintaining national identity and values.

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For further information, please contact:

Masgustian

Media & External Relations

Webinar Humanizing Artificial Intelligence: Mapping and the Future of Indonesia’s Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem, held on Saturday, 31 May 2025.

+62 857-9931-2383 (WhatsApp) or masgustian@gmail.com

The webinar recording can be watched again at the following link: