ANTARA CEO asserts that AI must not replace the human role in communication

Banjarmasin (ANTARA) - The CEO of Perum LKBN ANTARA, Benny Siga Butarbutar, has asserted that artificial intelligence (AI) must not replace the human role in communication, as the technology only serves to accelerate work processes.

Benny made this statement at the Communication and Public Relations Seminar titled “Banjarmasin for Indonesia: Strategic Public Relations Collaboration in the Digital and Sustainability Era”, organised by Perhumas at the Universitas Islam Kalimantan Muhammad Arsyad AL Banjari in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on Saturday.

During the seminar, Benny discussed the development of technology and its implications for modern communication practices amid increasingly rapid and complex global changes.

“AI is now capable of assisting various activities, from data processing and information compilation to simulating conversations that resemble human interactions in various professional situations,” he said.

Nevertheless, he emphasised that the technology lacks authority to make decisions, as it only presents algorithm-based options without considering human values and responsibilities.

In the field of journalism, he noted that the use of AI is becoming more widespread to support news production, particularly in accelerating the collection and processing of information required by editorial teams.

He also warned that AI development is progressing very rapidly, with significant improvements in algorithmic capabilities over specific periods and continuously generating various decision alternatives.

According to him, this situation demands a strong understanding from users to avoid complete dependence on technology in determining the direction of communication and policy-making.

“Humans must remain the primary controllers, while AI is positioned as a supporting tool that enhances work efficiency without replacing the strategic role in communication,” Benny stated.