Vice Chair of the People\u2019s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Lestari\nMoerdijat emphasised that artificial intelligence (AI) must serve as a\ntool for expanding rights and social justice, rather than creating new\nforms of discrimination against vulnerable groups, including persons\nwith disabilities.<\/p>\n
She made the statement at the Empower Equality AI Initiative (EQUAL)\nSummit organised by Alunjiva Indonesia and Microsoft Indonesia in East\nJakarta on Monday (25 May).<\/p>\n
Lestari stated that technology does not automatically exist in a\nneutral state but is shaped by human intentions in its creation and\nmanagement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most advanced technology is not that which replaces humans, but\ntechnology that makes humans more visible in the world,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She noted that AI development is part of a major civilisational shift\nthat can bring progress but risks widening social inequality if not\nmanaged inclusively.<\/p>\n
She stressed the constitution mandates the enlightenment of national\nlife to include all citizens, including persons with disabilities,\nwomen, vulnerable groups, and those with limited access.<\/p>\n
\u201cA nation is not only those considered physically perfect, but all\ncitizens,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Lestari warned that old forms of discrimination could resurface in\nnew technology. Previously, discrimination was visible through limited\naccess to facilities and jobs; now it can emerge through digital\nsystems, algorithms, or technology access barriers.<\/p>\n
She urged all stakeholders to ensure Indonesia\u2019s digital\ntransformation does not create new social inequalities. \u201cDo not build a\ndigitally unequal Indonesia,\u201d she stressed.<\/p>\n
She also highlighted the importance of accurate disability data for\npolicy-making, noting discrepancies between official government data and\nground realities regarding the number of persons with disabilities in\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
Lestari encouraged using technology and AI to build more integrated\ndata systems for targeted policy interventions.<\/p>\n
In the national context, she said Pancasila values should guide AI\ndevelopment. The second principle of human justice and civility and the\nfifth principle of social justice, she noted, affirm that technology\nmust serve humanity.<\/p>\n
\u201cAppropriate AI is AI that stands with humanity, opens access,\nacknowledges diversity, and ensures social justice,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Alunjiva Indonesia\u2019s founder, Nicky Clara, said AI and digital\ntransformation must be accompanied by inclusive digital literacy to\nensure technology benefits all societal layers.<\/p>\n
\u201cAI technology not only boosts efficiency and productivity but also\nopens new opportunities for innovation, skill development, and\ndigital-based employment and entrepreneurship models,\u201d Nicky said.<\/p>\n
He added that access to literacy and technology capacity-building\nremains uneven, particularly for youth, persons with disabilities, and\nsmall and medium enterprises.<\/p>\n
\u201cCross-sector collaboration is crucial to strengthen an inclusive\ntechnology ecosystem, expand learning access, and ensure digital\ntransformation delivers broader societal benefits,\u201d Nicky said.<\/p>\n
Alunjiva Indonesia\u2019s AI training, in collaboration with Microsoft\nIndonesia, has reached over 100,000 beneficiaries, with more than 15,000\nparticipants obtaining AI competency certifications.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ai-must-be-a-tool-for-social-justice-for-persons-with-disabilities-1780158567", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }