Government Pushes AI Adoption to Boost National Digital Economy

Jakarta, INTI - The Indonesian government is increasingly paying serious attention to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the country. Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics, Nezar Patria, has called on all stakeholders to enhance AI adoption to contribute significantly to the growth of the national digital economy.

In a public discussion on the National AI Symposium held at Sari Pacific, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (20/08/2024), Deputy Minister Nezar Patria emphasized the crucial role of AI in accelerating digital transformation across various economic sectors. "Together with stakeholders, we need to optimize the development of AI technology to support the growth of the digital economy in Indonesia," he said.

According to the Deputy Minister, several government agencies in Indonesia have already started implementing AI technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services. One example given was the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo), which developed AI technology to detect fake news or hoaxes circulating in digital spaces. The technology used includes Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning, which have proven effective in identifying invalid information.

Furthermore, Deputy Minister Nezar Patria explained that the Directorate General of Taxes at the Ministry of Finance has also adopted AI-based chatbots to help taxpayers easily access tax-related information and services. This initiative not only facilitates information access but also enhances the quality of services to the public.

In addition, the Ministry of Health has leveraged AI technology in the healthcare sector, particularly in radiology and pathology. AI technology is applied in medical tools such as chest X-rays, CT scans, and other anatomical pathology in various hospitals across Indonesia. This step is expected to improve diagnostic accuracy and expedite medical treatment, thereby making healthcare services better and more efficient.

AI applications are not limited to these sectors alone. Several ministries, agencies, and local governments have also employed AI to analyze large volumes of data for specific purposes, such as predicting weather, natural disasters, and traffic patterns. The Deputy Minister cited the use of AI in mapping traffic flow on toll roads, which aids in managing toll gate traffic more effectively.

Deputy Minister Nezar Patria appreciated all stakeholders who have actively participated in the development and implementation of AI in Indonesia. He also invited everyone to work together to realize safe, inclusive, and trustworthy AI governance, for a more connected and advanced Indonesia.

"We hope this forum serves as a platform to gather various inputs from different parties. Together, let's establish safe, inclusive, and trustworthy AI governance for a more connected, digital, and advanced Indonesia," stated the Deputy Minister.

On this occasion, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, also delivered a keynote speech virtually. The discussion was attended by several key figures, including 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.