Indonesia Launches AI Readiness Assessment with UNESCO Support

Jakarta, INTI – Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Nezar Patria, has lauded the support of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the implementation of global artificial intelligence (AI) governance and ethics in Indonesia.

“We appreciate UNESCO's support and the involvement of all stakeholders in implementing AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM AI) in Indonesia. Our goal is to develop a comprehensive AI governance framework that will strengthen Indonesia's position in the global AI supply chain,” stated Deputy Minister Nezar Patria during the launch of Indonesia’s RAM AI in Central Jakarta on Monday, May 27, 2024.

Comprehensive AI Governance Framework

Deputy Minister Nezar emphasized that the launch of RAM AI marks a significant step towards establishing comprehensive AI governance. He noted that many countries worldwide are striving to formulate policies on AI technology at multilateral, regional, and national levels. Since 2017, the United Nations has been conducting studies on the potential risks and opportunities associated with AI technology.

“From the formation of the High-Level Committee on AI Management Task Force to the latest High-Level AI Advisory Body of the UN Secretary-General, all play crucial roles in advancing global AI governance,” he explained.

Multilateral and Regional AI Governance

One of the latest multilateral declarations is the UN General Assembly Resolution on Harnessing the Opportunities of Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI Systems for Sustainable Development. Deputy Minister Nezar believes that these advancements demonstrate the global community's recognition of the need for collaboration to optimize AI usage in everyday life.

“This is also reflected in previous consensus documents such as the UN System's Ethical AI Principles and the OECD AI Principles endorsed by UNESCO,” he noted.

At the regional level, Europe has adopted the EU AI Regulation, and the Council of Europe has implemented the European Framework Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. In the North Atlantic region, NATO has adopted an AI Strategy as part of its policy on emerging and disruptive technologies.

“In our region (ASEAN), the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics was ratified this year to foster regional discussions on AI governance. Through the ASEAN AI Guide, we hope to stimulate the development of AI governance in ASEAN member states,” explained Deputy Minister Nezar.

Promoting Inclusive AI Development

The Deputy Minister expressed his hopes that the RAM AI launch would yield recommendations for the development of AI technology in Indonesia.

“I hope this process will be completed by September this year, and the findings will advance the development of inclusive AI. Together, we create a more productive AI environment to realize a more digital and prosperous Indonesia,” he said.

Attendees and Support

The RAM AI launch was attended by UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia, Gita Sabharwal, Director of the UNESCO Jakarta Multisectoral Regional Office, and UNESCO Representative for Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Timor Leste, Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, Executive Chair of the Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO (KNIU), Itje Chodidjah, and Chairman of the Collaboration for Research & Innovation in Artificial Intelligence Industry (KORIKA), Hammam Riza.

Deputy Minister Nezar Patria was accompanied by the Head of the Human Resources Development Agency of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Hary Budiarto, and the Head of the International Institutional Affairs Center, Secretariat General of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Ichwan Makmur Nasution.