Communications Ministry Calls for Transparency on AI and Algorithms to Protect Public Rights

Jakarta (ANTARA) — The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has called on electronic system operators (PSEs) managing digital platforms to increase transparency in their use of artificial intelligence (AI) and management of algorithms, in order to protect the public’s right to receive information.

Clear disclosure by digital platform operators would help the public understand how information is created, displayed and distributed in digital spaces.

“AI can help people find and understand information, but its answers are not always correct. Important information should therefore always be checked against credible sources, especially when it concerns government policy or allegations against particular parties,” said Mediodecci Lustarini, secretary of the Directorate General of Digital Space Supervision at Kemkomdigi, in a statement received in Jakarta on Friday.

Transparency in the management of AI services on digital platforms is becoming increasingly important as AI technology develops the ability to generate content resembling human opinion, including through automated accounts or bots.

Without adequate information, people may find it difficult to distinguish authentic conversations from content created or distributed automatically.

Such measures are needed to safeguard the public’s rights to access information, express opinions and decide what information they wish to access.

“The principle of moderation is not about the account, but about the content being disseminated,” Mediodecci said.

She said the use of automated accounts does not in itself indicate a violation. Any assessment must be based on the substance of the content, patterns of misuse and evidence of breaches under the applicable rules.

The public retains the right to express views, support or criticism of the government. Differences of opinion or an account’s apparent leanings cannot therefore be the sole basis for imposing restrictions.

“What needs to be examined is whether the content violates the rules or is being used for actions that harm the public. Criticism of the government is part of freedom of expression and must not be treated as a violation simply because it reflects a different view,” she said.

In response to allegations that information about forest and land fires had been restricted on social media, Kemkomdigi said it had never asked digital platforms to remove or restrict content on the issue.

In light of the allegations, the ministry has urged platforms to provide clear explanations when users experience reduced reach for their content, including when restrictions result from community guidelines or algorithmic recommendation systems.

Following public discussion of responses from Meta AI, Meta’s generative AI chatbot, which were linked to claims of restrictions on forest and land fire content, Kemkomdigi has also asked Meta for clarification.

Mediodecci said chatbot responses cannot automatically be regarded as official company statements, much less treated as evidence of government instructions, unless supported by verifiable documents or confirmation.

AI can produce information that sounds convincing even when it is not supported by accurate facts. This phenomenon is known as AI hallucination.

Kemkomdigi has urged the public to follow the principle of “trust but verify”: use AI critically by checking sources, comparing information and avoiding the immediate sharing of unconfirmed AI-generated answers.

Kemkomdigi has previously reminded AI developers in Indonesia of the importance of transparency in algorithms and AI through Minister of Communication and Informatics Circular Letter No. 9 of 2023 on AI Ethics.

The guidelines emphasise transparency, security, credibility, accountability and the protection of users’ rights in the development and use of AI technology.

The government is also preparing to strengthen national AI governance through a draft presidential regulation on AI ethics and a National AI Roadmap for 2026–2029.

In line with these principles, Kemkomdigi is encouraging digital platforms to be more open about their use of AI, clarify their content moderation policies, and provide accessible complaint and appeal mechanisms for users.

AI’s advanced capabilities also include drafting posts, adapting language styles and responding to conversations on social media.

These capabilities can be used by different parties for various purposes, including expressing support for or criticism of the government.

“Allegations that bots are being used to shape public opinion must therefore be examined objectively. The direction of an account’s support is not enough to prove manipulation,” Alfons stressed.

He said polished writing, uniform language or a high frequency of posts was not sufficient to establish that an account was operated by AI.

Alfons also emphasised the importance of the government being open to information and criticism from the public.

“The government should be open to criticism and provided with information. It should be grateful,” he said.

The public can help maintain the quality of digital discourse by checking information, recognising signs of coordinated inauthentic behaviour and reporting suspected misuse of technology to platforms.

However, accounts must be assessed and any action taken only after an objective examination, so that freedom of expression is not wrongly restricted.