Insight Talks in Kendari Explores Strategies for Implementing AI in Journalistic Work
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High volatility is likely to continue until the end of May.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) collaborated with Media Indonesia to hold a discussion forum called Insight Talks titled “Media Literacy: Being Smart in the Era of Artificial Intelligence” in Kendari on Wednesday (13/5). The event, attended by journalists, academics, students, and media activists, discussed the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the media industry and journalistic work in Indonesia.
Director of Media Ecosystem at Komdigi, Farida Dewi Maharani, said that the development of AI technology is both a challenge and an opportunity that must be wisely addressed by the national media industry. According to her, the government is currently finalizing regulatory instruments in the form of a Presidential Regulation on artificial intelligence to create a national governance framework that is adaptive to technological developments. “This strategic step is taken to create a national governance framework that not only encourages innovation but also ensures the ethical, transparent, and accountable development of technology,” said Farida.
She emphasized that the use of AI in the media industry should not ignore basic journalistic values such as verification, independence, accuracy, and responsibility to the public. “AI can be a tool to accelerate editorial work, but conscience, empathy, and verification remain the absolute domain of a journalist,” she stressed.
In the forum, Chairman of the Commission for Research, Data Collection and Ratification of the Press at the Press Council, Yogi Hadi Ismanto, presented guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence in journalistic works. Yogi mentioned the Press Council Regulation Number 1/Regulation-DP/I/2025 concerning Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Journalistic Works, which serves as a reference for press companies and journalists in using AI responsibly. According to him, the use of AI in journalism must remain under human control and should not replace the main function of journalists in verifying information. “AI technology helps accelerate journalistic work processes, but the responsibility for the content of news remains with humans or the editorial team,” said Yogi.
He also reminded that journalistic works produced with the help of AI must still comply with the Code of Journalistic Ethics and the principle of accuracy of information. “It should not be the case that the use of AI eliminates verification discipline in press work. Public trust must remain maintained,” he said.
Meanwhile, Assistant Head of the News Division at Media Indonesia, Iis Zatnika, presented a topic entitled “AI and Journalistic Work.” In her presentation, Iis explained that AI can be used to assist in research processes, data processing, and even drafting initial news articles to make editorial work more efficient. However, she emphasized that journalists should not rely entirely on AI technology without re-checking. “AI is a tool, not a replacement for reporters. Human touch is still needed in writing news, especially in building empathy, perspective, and accuracy,” said Iis.
She also shared some tips on using AI in journalistic work, such as inputting interview materials, news links, and research data as the basis for information processing. According to her, the results of AI-generated writings should still be read and enriched with a humanistic perspective to maintain the quality of journalism. “Journalists must re-read the text generated by AI and then add perspectives, descriptions, quotes, and values that machines do not have,” she explained.
The Insight Talks forum is part of an effort to improve media literacy and digital literacy in the regions, especially in facing the era of disruption from artificial intelligence technology which is rapidly developing in various sectors, including the press and mass media industry. (X-6)