The future is thinking along: Indonesia's AI Turnaround

In the historic halls of the Merdeka Building, where the first Asia-Africa Conference took place, Prof. Ayu Purwarianti stands as a notable figure in the realm of ethical AI. She is the founder of Prosa.ai and head of the Artificial Intelligence Center at Bandung Institute of Technology. With the launch of the Policy Maker Training for Ethical AI in Indonesia by the “FAIR Forward – Artificial Intelligence for All” initiative, Prof. Purwarianti is playing a crucial role in shaping Indonesia’s technological landscape.

For too long, the conversation around AI has been dominated by concerns of efficiency and innovation, but as we move forward, we must remember that technology is not an end in itself — it is a means to improve the lives of all Indonesians.

Prof. Ayu Purwarianti, head of the Artificial Intelligence Center at Bandung Institute of Technology

From left to right (Prof. Ayu Purwarianti, Dr. Kautsarina Adam, Andreas Bondan Satriadi, © Harapura

As the AI Policy Makers Forum and training program unfolded, there was a palpable sense of optimism in the air. From the conference halls of Bandung to the virtual corridors of online learning, 23 policymakers embarked on a collective journey of three months that ended in March at the Annika Linden Center in Bali, centre for excellence in disability inclusion.

Throughout this journey, participants immersed themselves in a rich array of topics, including AI ethics, the formulation of AI policies, and sector-specific approaches alongside policy implementation case studies. The training provided a unique platform for engagement and dialogue with guest policymakers from other countries, such as Rama Devi Lanka, a policymaker from India, who shared insights into the advancements in AI frameworks in Telangana state.

Image 1/4: Closing picture of opening day, © Harapura

Image 2/4: Participants at the policy maker closing event in Bali, © Harapura

Image 3/4: © Harapura

Image 4/4: © Harapura

With FAIR Forward leading the charge, supported by local partners like Harapura Impact and AptaWorks, the path towards ethical AI became clearer. Together, they analysed ways to redirect technology to make it a force for good, empowering and uplifting all Indonesians, guided by principles of inclusivity, responsibility, and progress.

In this sense, the words of Andreas Bondan Satriadi resonate with the objective of shaping Indonesia´s technology landscape truly for all.

In our journey towards ethical AI, inclusion is paramount. We must ensure that everyone, including those with disabilities, can participate in and benefit from our technological advancements.

Andreas Bondan Satriadi

Moreover, Dr. Kautsarina Adam, representing the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, echoes this sentiment. With a focus on privacy and data security, she underscores the need for responsible AI frameworks that prioritize the well-being of Indonesian citizens.

We cannot afford to overlook the ethical implications of AI. Today’s sessions are a crucial step towards building a future where technology serves the needs of all Indonesians, without exception.

Dr. Kautsarina Adam, Representative of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology

For these 23 policymakers, the road ahead may be challenging. But as they navigate Indonesia’s technological frontier, they do so with a shared sense of purpose and optimism — for they know that, together, they can build a brighter tomorrow, where technology is a tool for positive change in the hands of all Indonesians. To facilitate this task, they will also receive support from their peers in the Africa and Asia AI Policymakers Network, into which they are now being welcomed.

“By empowering policymakers with the knowledge and tools to create ethical AI policies, we are laying the groundwork for an AI ecosystem that truly serves the people,” Prof. Purwarianti reflects.

This initiative is crucial not only for advancing technology but also for ensuring that the benefits of AI reach every corner of our society, reinforcing our commitment to ethical, inclusive progress.

Prof. Ayu Purwarianti, head of the Artificial Intelligence Center at Bandung Institute of Technology