Accelerating Digital Transformation: Government Embraces AI to Improve Public Services

Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia continues to intensify the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology across various sectors as part of its strategy to accelerate digital transformation. In a public discussion on the National AI Symposium held at Sari Pacific, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (20/08/2024), Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics, Nezar Patria, expressed the government's commitment to promoting AI utilization to strengthen the national digital economy.

Deputy Minister Nezar Patria emphasized that adopting AI technology is a crucial step in supporting inclusive digital economic growth in Indonesia. "Together with stakeholders, we want to hear opinions and inputs on AI development, particularly on how we can optimize this technology to support the growth of the digital economy in Indonesia," he said.

The government has taken several concrete steps to integrate AI technology into public services. For example, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) has developed AI technology to detect fake news or hoaxes circulating in digital spaces. This technology, known as Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning, has successfully identified and filtered inaccurate information, helping to maintain the quality of information circulating in the community.

Besides Kominfo, the Directorate General of Taxes at the Ministry of Finance has also developed an AI-based chatbot designed to provide ease for taxpayers in accessing tax information and services. This innovation not only speeds up responses to public inquiries but also increases efficiency in public services.

In the health sector, the Ministry of Health has begun utilizing AI technology in diagnostic tools such as chest X-rays, CT scans, and anatomical pathology. The use of AI in the health sector is expected to enhance diagnostic accuracy and expedite medical treatment processes, thereby improving the quality of healthcare services in Indonesia.

Moreover, the application of AI has spread to various ministries, agencies, and local governments. For instance, AI technology is used to analyze big data to predict weather, natural disasters, and traffic patterns on toll roads. According to the Deputy Minister, AI is currently widely used to manage traffic flow at toll gates and assist in faster and more accurate decision-making.

On this occasion, Deputy Minister Nezar Patria appreciated the contributions of various parties who have participated in the development and application of AI in Indonesia. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, academia, and the private sector in creating safe and trustworthy AI governance.

"We hope this forum can become a platform to gather various views and inputs from different stakeholders. Together, let's establish safe, inclusive, and trustworthy AI governance for a more connected, digital, and advanced Indonesia," said Deputy Minister Nezar Patria.

The discussion was also attended by several prominent figures, including Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, who delivered a keynote speech virtually. Additionally, the event was attended by Special Staff for Organization, Bureaucracy, and Information Technology at the Ministry of Finance, Mochamad Agus Rofiudin, Executive Director of ELSAM Wahyudi Djafar, Professor of Law at Padjadjaran University Sinta Dewi Rosadi, Director of Government Affairs for Microsoft Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam Ajar Edi, and INDEF Economist Drajad Hari Wibowo.

With the increasing adoption of AI in various sectors, Indonesia is becoming more prepared to face the challenges and opportunities in this digital era. AI technology is not only a tool to increase efficiency and effectiveness but also a key to driving innovation that can lead Indonesia towards a more advanced and inclusive digital economy.