Prabowo Warns of AI Risks and Nuclear Potential

President Prabowo Subianto has warned that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) not only brings great opportunities for human progress but also harbours risks that must be anticipated. He therefore encouraged academics, particularly professors, to delve deeper into the development of this technology. Prabowo made these remarks while closing the National Sarasehan of the 2026 Science, Technology, and Industry Convention on Sunday (28/6). Prabowo stated that nearly all countries are currently racing to develop AI to avoid being left behind in global technological competition. However, he noted that the creators of AI themselves have issued warnings about the potential negative impacts of the technology on humanity. “Now AI, Artificial Intelligence, almost all countries are pursuing AI. They don’t want to be left behind. But the inventors of AI themselves have already warned that AI could become a problem for humans,” Prabowo said. He then touched on the development of AI Agents, systems designed to work for individuals, groups, corporations, organisations, and even countries. According to information he received, the number of AI Agents is growing and they reportedly already have their own communication spaces using code languages that humans do not understand. Prabowo also described how AI’s capabilities are increasingly surpassing humans in various fields. He noted that machines can now beat world chess champions and produce extraordinary works. “Reportedly, there are now 5 million AI Agents. Maybe 5 million three weeks ago. And they say they already have their own chatroom. These five million are talking to each other in their own code language,” he said. Nevertheless, Prabowo stressed that technological progress is unavoidable. He said the challenge is to ensure technology is used for the benefit of humanity, similar to the use of nuclear energy which can be both a blessing and a threat. According to him, nuclear power can provide cheap and relatively clean energy and be utilised in health and agriculture. However, the same technology can also destroy civilisation if misused. Prabowo therefore expressed hope that academics would take a role in studying and directing technological development to provide maximum benefits for society. “So, ladies and gentlemen, this is where the professors, the academics must delve deeper,” Prabowo said.