Independence in the AI Era: Ruang Damai Warns of Digital Polarisation Threat
Independence in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer seen merely as freedom from physical colonisation, but also as freedom of thought amid the relentless flow of information and digital algorithms. This challenge grows larger when identity differences can be exploited to reinforce polarisation in the digital sphere.
These ideas were discussed in the national webinar Bincang Damai titled “Becoming Indonesia: Independent, Different and Still Together”, held online by Ruang Damai on Monday (17/8/2026). The discussion brought together academic perspectives and community groups to examine diversity, tolerance, and the challenges of social life in the technological era.
Executive Director of Ruang Damai Zainal Abidin said the challenge to sovereignty in the digital era has shifted from physical threats to issues affecting how society obtains information and forms views.
“True independence in the modern era is when identity differences are no longer used as digital commodities to divide, but rather as a social algorithm that enriches the nation’s innovation. We must transform from merely maintaining the slogan ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’ into driving active social capital to respond to the global climate crisis and the digital economic transformation,” said Zainal.
According to Zainal, social media algorithms can place society in echo chambers that narrow exposure to differing views. Therefore, strengthening digital inclusivity is also necessary so that technological development does not erode the cultural identity of indigenous communities or limit access for persons with disabilities.
Professor of Anthropology at the University of Indonesia Prof. Dr. Semiarto Aji Purwanto said the process of becoming Indonesia is one that has continued to evolve since the 1928 Youth Pledge, the 1998 reform, and the social changes of the artificial intelligence era.
According to Semiarto, tolerance cannot be sufficiently built by allowing differences to coexist without interaction. Encounters and joint work across identities are needed so that diversity can become a social strength.
“Independence must mean space to be oneself. Of course, to realise tolerance by being fully present in interaction, encounter, and joint work across identities,” explained Prof. Semiarto.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Central Presidium of the Indonesian Buddhist Student Association (HIKMAHBUDHI) Agustina highlighted the challenges facing the younger generation in confronting the torrent of information in the digital space. She offered the concept of Brahmavihara in Buddhist teachings as one of the moral foundations for the younger generation in facing these dynamics.
The concept encompasses Metta or loving-kindness, Karuna or compassion, Mudita or sympathetic joy, and Upekkha or equanimity. These values are considered capable of helping the younger generation respond to differences while filtering provocations circulating in the digital space.
The webinar was attended by hundreds of participants from various backgrounds, including interfaith groups, activists, and academics. Participants came from a number of universities such as the University of Indonesia, Padjadjaran University, State Islamic Universities, and the University of North Sumatra, as well as various regions from Aceh to Maluku.
The discussion positioned independence as an ongoing social process. In this context, identity differences not only need to be safeguarded so as not to become a source of conflict, but can also serve as a basis for joint work in facing social, technological, and economic challenges.