AI adoption in education must follow children's readiness: minister
“Every technological advancement must consider the readiness of its users, especially children,” she stressed in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday.
In this regard, the Indonesian government has established joint guidelines for the use of digital technology and AI in education to ensure that technology supports the learning process while protecting children from various risks in the digital space.
This policy is outlined in a joint ministerial decree involving seven ministries that regulates the use of digital technology and AI in education from early childhood education through higher education.
According to her, the policy is vital as Indonesia has a very large number of internet users, including among children.
“We must ensure that they do not merely become targets or markets for the tech industry, but are instead capable of utilizing technology in accordance with their readiness,” Hafid remarked.
This policy is intended to help schools, teachers, and families utilize digital technology appropriately, allowing Indonesian children to learn about technology from an early age without compromising their cognitive development or character.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Pratikno stated that the regulations are necessary to ensure that the use of technology in education continues to take into account a child’s readiness and development.
“The utilization of digital technology and artificial intelligence for children must be done wisely, providing positive benefits and reducing risks. Age criteria and the child’s readiness are vital in the regulations,” Pratikno remarked.
According to him, the younger the child, the more controlled the use of technology must be, both in terms of duration and the types of content used in the learning process.
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Translator: Farhan Arda, Raka Adji