Lestari Moerdijat Advocates AI Mastery for Empowering People with Disabilities

We believe that mastering AI will provide extraordinary acceleration for the development of local SMEs and various inclusive activities that we hope can bring regional flagship products to a broader digital stage,” said Rerie, the familiar name for Lestari, in her statement on Sunday (10/5/2026).

This was conveyed by Lestari in an online speech at the AI training organised by Alunjiva together with Microsoft, held at the Auditorium of Universitas Muria Kudus in Kudus, Central Java.

Based on a 2025-2026 survey, said Rerie, 64.7% of respondents in Indonesia have used AI technology.

The majority use it for seeking information up to shopping needs. Indonesia has also become one of the eight major countries in the world that actively utilise AI.

However, she reminded that technical mastery of AI alone is not enough.

“Critical thinking ability is the main key so that humans remain the controllers of technology who can distinguish information and solve problems,” Rerie emphasised.

The NasDem politician, who is active on inclusivity issues, also highlighted the still low access to technology training for people with disabilities.

Based on 2020 Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) records, more than 75% of people with disabilities still work in the informal sector, while only 25% are absorbed in the formal sector.

“This disparity is rooted in limited and minimal access to inclusive technology training. Social stigma often becomes a thicker barrier wall than physical limitations,” said Rerie, who is also a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission X.

According to Rerie, today’s training is concrete proof that equal access for people with disabilities is not just an option, but a necessity in realising equal human dignity in the digital era.

She hopes that AI utilisation training for young people and people with disabilities can equip them with practical skills as affiliates, digital creators, to tech-based entrepreneurs who can achieve economic independence.

Rerie invited all participants to make this training a turning point to sharpen their thinking sharpness and achieve independence in facing the future in the digital era.