Chairman of IPB University’s AI Study Program: Without AI Law, Indonesia is Only a Technology Consumer
A number of countries such as the European Union, the United States, China, Brazil, Canada, and Japan have already drafted or are drafting special regulations related to artificial intelligence (AI). This step reflects their seriousness in facing the challenges and risks posed by the development of AI technology.
In the absence of a similar regulation in Indonesia, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at IPB University, Prof Yeni Herdiyeni, asserts that Indonesia needs to immediately draft a special law that regulates the development and utilization of artificial intelligence technology.
This urgency was conveyed following the rapid development of AI technology and the risks that come with it, such as disinformation, algorithm errors, and potential threats to national security.
“The law is necessary, because this is a technological product that can have both positive and negative impacts,” said Prof Yeni, who is now the Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence Study Program at IPB University.
She cited how AI technology has been used in global conflicts, as well as misused in political contexts, such as in elections, to manipulate public opinion through bots and the spread of disinformation.
According to her, if this regulation continues to be delayed, Indonesia will be further left behind and only become a consumer market for AI technology from outside.
“In terms of current government policy, starting from primary and secondary education, material on AI will be given. We need to be careful in formulating policies and the direction of education,” she said.
According to her, what is needed by the younger generation is to develop critical thinking and develop good cognitive abilities. “Do not let us only be positioned as users of AI technology without strong cognitive development in thinking,” she emphasized again.
She also highlighted that the absence of an AI law opens a gap for data misuse. “If there is no law, it will be difficult if there are parties who collect data without the consent of the owner and use it to develop AI models. What should they be charged with? This is different from the ITE Law. The AI Law ensures that innovations developed must be responsible,” she said.
Prof Yeni sees the political sector as the most vulnerable to AI abuse. “Many chatbots on social media influence public opinion, even though it is not a human voice,” she explained.
Meanwhile, in the education sector, although there are violations such as AI-based plagiarism, the signs of handling are relatively more organized. “IPB University is finalizing guidelines for the use of AI for academics, research and community service. However, the government needs to prepare an AI Law so that all institutions have a uniform reference,” she suggested.
In her role as an academic, Prof Yeni explained that universities like IPB University can participate in drafting the legal and ethical framework for AI.
“We can contribute to literacy, both in curriculum, lecturer training, and public education. In addition, through research and cooperation with industry, we can help formulate the ethics of AI use, including data privacy issues and social impacts,” she said.
She hopes the government can work with campuses that have competence in this field. “The government can collaborate with campuses to formulate the ethics of AI development, data privacy, and related policies,” he concluded.
With this call, Prof Yeni Herdiyeni hopes that the government can immediately draft a comprehensive AI Law by involving academics. The goal is for Indonesia to not only be a user, but also a responsible and beneficial developer of AI technology for society. (Fj) (IAAS/PRO)
