Coordinator Minister: Primary and Secondary Education Must Not Use Instant AI Like ChatGPT

The Coordinator Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Pratikno has explained the contents of a joint ministerial decision (SKB) containing guidelines for the utilisation of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) across formal, non-formal, and informal education pathways. Pratikno stated that one key provision prohibits the use of instant AI, such as ChatGPT, for educational purposes at primary and secondary school levels.

“So for example, basic and secondary education is not permitted to utilise instant AI, for instance asking ChatGPT and so on,” Pratikno said at the Menko PMK office in Central Jakarta on Thursday (12/3/2026).

However, Pratikno noted that AI will not be completely banned from primary and secondary education levels. He stated that AI can still be utilised as an educational support tool.

“Using artificial intelligence for instance in basic education is one that is specifically designed for educational needs. So it is not that it is completely prohibited. Because we also need to utilise that technology as a support, an educational support,” he said.

Pratikno provided an example of AI use in schools, noting that robotics simulations would continue to employ AI.

“Robotics simulations for basic education can certainly use AI, but that is specifically designed for educational needs,” he said.

Pratikno stated that the prohibition is being implemented to prevent “brain rot”. Additionally, the ban seeks to avoid a reduction in cognitive capacity (cognitive debt).

“This is to prevent brain rot, to avoid cognitive debt, that is, a reduction in cognition,” he said.

Seven ministers have signed the joint ministerial decision (SKB) containing guidelines for the utilisation of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) across formal, non-formal, and informal education pathways. The signing of the SKB was led by the Coordinator Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Pratikno.

The signing of the SKB took place at the Menko PMK office in Central Jakarta on Thursday (12/3). The seven ministers who signed the SKB are Interior Minister Tito Karnavian, Digital and Information Technology Minister Meutya Hafid, Basic and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti, Research, Technology and Higher Education Minister Brian Yuliarto, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar, Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi, and Public Works and Public Housing Minister Wihaji.