Government prioritises AI talent development

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria, stated that the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) talent is a government priority in implementing national digital transformation and realising the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision.

“The nation’s competitiveness in the AI era is determined by how many talents are capable of understanding, developing, and utilising this technology to address national challenges,” he said during the Garuda AI Impact Summit 2026 in Jakarta on Thursday.

“That is why the national AI talent development agenda will continue to be a government priority in achieving Indonesia Emas 2045,” he added.

Nezar noted that one of the major challenges faced in the AI era is preparing human resources that can utilise the technology productively and responsibly.

He subsequently cited the Stanford AI Index Report 202lar, which shows a gap in perception between experts and the general public regarding the impact of AI on the world of work. According to the report, 73 per cent of AI experts believe the technology will have a positive impact on jobs, but only 23 per cent of the public holds a similar view.

Nezar stated that this difference in perception demonstrates the importance of increasing digital literacy and developing AI skills so that the public can understand both the opportunities and the risks arising from AI technological developments.

Therefore, the government is making digital talent development efforts a priority in the implementation of national digital transformation.

“We want the benefits of AI to be felt by students, teachers, MSME players, government officials, local communities, and the general public throughout the archipelago,” said Nezar.

In addition, Nezar said the government continues to encourage the emergence of AI-based innovation from young Indonesian talents.

The AI Ready Asia programme, conducted in collaboration with the ASEAN Foundation, has reached more than 5.3 million Indonesians, and its reach will continue to expand until 2028.

The government is also developing the Garuda SPARK Innovation Hub, which brings together talent, industry, academia, and the government within a single innovation ecosystem to accelerate the development of AI technology in Indonesia.

Nezar emphasised that AI must serve as a means to open opportunities for learning, innovation, and improving the quality of life for the wider community.

“Indonesia’s commitment is clear, namely to ensure that AI does not belong only to a few parties, but becomes a force that opens opportunities for all members of society,” he said.