Nezar: Aiman-Aisha AI Represents an Adaptation to Facing Digital Transformation

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital (Wamenkomdigi) Nezar Patria assessed the Islamic-leaning artificial intelligence platform named Aiman & Aisha, released by Republika, as a form of progressive adaptation by Indonesia’s national media industry to face the wave of digital transformation. ‘More than an innovation, Aiman & Aisha is a real representation of how AI can be designed specifically to support a curated Islamic content ecosystem,’ Nezar said in Jakarta on Wednesday. According to him, the presence of Aiman & Aisha should be interpreted as an effort to safeguard Indonesia’s digital sovereignty, where AI is built on a strong reference framework to educate the life of the nation. He emphasised that AI development by national media institutions like this is very important. The aim is so that algorithms interacting with society remain anchored to data integrity and the diversity of Indonesia’s cultural contexts. Thus, technology does not become an alien entity detached from the social reality of its users. Nezar reminded that although AI offers extraordinary efficiency, the human role in curation and maintaining empathy remains irreplaceable. He hopes Aiman & Aisha can be a digital learning intermediary that combines cutting-edge technology with Islamic wisdom. ‘We want AI like Aiman & Aisha to be a partner for internet users, not to replace the depth of thinking that is the core of an intellectual’s duty,’ Nezar said. The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Kamaruddin Amin, affirmed that the launch of the Aiman & Aisha platform is not merely about presenting a new technology product, but an endeavour of civilisation. He expressed the highest appreciation to Republika for initiating AI development to enhance moderate Islamic literacy and to provide a calming influence. ‘We are very happy to witness this extraordinary agenda. God willing, it will reap positive benefits for our da’wah activities and simultaneously provide space for the public to access the best and most useful information,’ said Izzul in his remarks. Republika’s Director Rangga Danu explained that the emergence of Aiman & Aisha rests on the real needs of the community for quick, reliable, and Sharia-compliant religious answers. In the fast-paced daily life, questions about worship, muamalat, and social ethics arise urgently, while access to comprehensive references is not always easy. He added that ahead of the holy month, Republika is offering free access to the public to use Aiman & Aisha during Ramadan as a spiritual and travel companion for everyone. Anyone can ask Aiman & Aisha at no cost. The policy is expected to broaden the platform’s benefits as a digital spiritual companion, especially during Ramadan, a moment rich in needs for literacy of worship, Shariah consultation, and guidance on social ethics during the mudik travel. Going forward, the public can enjoy unlimited access to ask Aiman & Aisha while also supporting Republika’s Social Da’wah movement starting from Rp8,000. The platform’s distinctive feature, he continued, lies in intentional constraint or deliberate restrictions as a form of epistemic responsibility. Aiman & Aisha does not aim to answer everything, but focuses on matters that can be accounted for Qur’aniyah and Shariah.