Heaptalk, Jakarta — Indonesia becomes the first country in ASEAN who complete the assessment of AI readiness through a methodology developed by UNESCO. This assessment is the strategic measure to build ethical inclusive AI Governance in the country.
“Today, Indonesia in the critical way in carrying out digital transformation. The report of the AI readiness assessment will provide in-depth insight for Indonesia regarding our readiness to adopt AI from multiple dimensions,” stated Vice Minister of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) Nezar Patria during the release of Indonesia’s AI readiness report on Friday (10/04)
The Director of UNESCO Jakarta, Maki Katsuno Hayashikawa, stated, “I believe that the methodology is only the first step on the adoption of ethical AI strategy in Indonesia. I believe that Indonesia will be the role model in this field as well”.
According to Nezar, the report provides new opportunities to empower digital society and economy.
“With cross-sectors collaboration and appropriate policy, AI can be the driving force inclusive and sustainable growth for Indonesia,” added Vice Minister Nezar.
Based on the report, UNESCO provides several key takeaways.
- In the legal context, policy makes have created strategies, blueprints and laws that completed the checklist for regulations needed for global standard in the area of digital technology and artificial intelligence, but necessary details and specifics within the regulations, including how to address liability from AI harms and reporting scope and mechanisms for AI providers, still need to be clearly defined.
- Indonesia is progressing to ensure the gender gap and urban-rural digital divide in access to digital technologies are closed, but challenges like relatively expensive internet access might stand in the way or optimum societal inclusion.
- Research in general is still underfunded compared to regional neighbours and the global average.
- The adoption of AI in private sector beyond startups remains in its early stages and requires guidance to have a broader impact on economic growth.
- There is a critical need for a strong commitment to funding both the hard and sot infrastructure that supports AI.