From Stunting to AI, FTI UBSI National Seminar Highlights Digital Solutions for National Issues
The utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) is considered key to driving sustainable digital transformation in Indonesia. This was highlighted at the National Seminar on Technology and Informatics Innovation organised by the Faculty of Engineering and Informatics (FTI) at Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) at the BSI Convention Center, Kaliabang, Bekasi, on Thursday (9/4/2026).
Speaker Zainal Arifin Hasibuan explained that the application of AI technology must be carried out gradually and in an integrated manner. AI implementation can be achieved through the tridharma of higher education, namely education, research, and community service.
He highlighted the importance of selecting priority sectors, such as health, so that digital transformation implementation can proceed in a more directed and measurable way, including efforts to tackle stunting and various other health issues through cross-sector collaboration.
“Digital transformation must truly be implemented gradually and integrated with the tridharma of higher education, namely education, research, and community service. In this way, we not only understand the concepts but are also able to implement them in practice,” he stated.
In addition, he assessed that the main challenge in building a digital ecosystem in Indonesia lies in the weak research culture among academics. The role of lecturers as drivers of innovation is deemed very important, particularly in producing impactful and globally competitive research.
Strengthening lecturer capacities, both in terms of knowledge, technology, and engagement with society and industry, is a crucial factor in supporting sustainable digital transformation.
“Our biggest challenge is the weak research culture. If lecturers are not active in conducting research, it is difficult to produce impactful innovations. Therefore, strengthening lecturer capacities is very important,” he revealed.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia, government, industry, and society in creating a sustainable innovation ecosystem. Integrating learning with direct practice (learning by doing), implementing programmes systematically, and active involvement of stakeholders are seen as key to preparing digital talent ready to face the digital transformation era.
For UBSI, known as the Creative Digital Campus and the organiser, this event is part of its commitment to supporting digital talent development in Indonesia.
This national seminar featured various academics and practitioners and served as a forum for discussion to promote technological innovation and strengthen the digital ecosystem in Indonesia.