Indonesian Vice President Urges Students, Teachers to Master AI for Digital Future

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has called on students and teachers across the country to embrace and master artificial intelligence (AI) as Indonesia navigates an era of rapid digital transformation.

In a video shared on his official Instagram account on Tuesday, Gibran emphasized that Indonesians must take an active role in shaping the future of technology rather than merely observing its development.

“We can no longer close our eyes or simply be onlookers. We must be the players; we must master this technology,” he said.

Addressing students, the vice president stressed that AI should be viewed as a powerful learning tool rather than a shortcut that encourages dependency or laziness. He described AI as a personal assistant capable of simplifying tasks such as data collection, language learning, and solving complex mathematical problems.

However, Gibran warned that the growing use of AI should not come at the expense of critical thinking and independent judgment among young people. He urged users to ensure that technology supports creativity and innovation while preserving intellectual independence.

Highlighting the accessibility of modern AI tools, Gibran noted that many advanced technologies are now available through open-source platforms, making knowledge and resources freely accessible to the public.

“The good news is that so many advanced AI technologies are now open-source. The knowledge is free, the code is open, and anyone can access it,” he said.

The vice president underscored that technological expertise will play a crucial role in realizing Indonesia’s “Golden Indonesia 2045” vision, a long-term national development strategy aimed at transforming the country into a developed nation by its centennial year of independence.

Amid the rapid pace of technological change, Gibran also encouraged teachers and parents to continuously enhance their own skills to remain relevant and effective in supporting the younger generation.

He noted that AI can significantly reduce administrative workloads for educators by assisting with tasks such as preparing examination questions, creating engaging teaching materials, and developing practical case studies for students.

At the same time, Gibran stressed the importance of ethics and integrity in AI usage, cautioning against its misuse for spreading misinformation, plagiarism, or violating privacy rights.

The vice president further revealed that the Indonesian government has completed UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology, a framework designed to evaluate the country’s preparedness for future AI governance and regulation.

Concluding his remarks, Gibran expressed optimism about the role of AI in national development.

“Let us make AI a bridge toward a more advanced, bright, and dignified Indonesia,” he said.