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In a bid to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of journalism, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) of Indonesia has underscored the paramount importance of transparency in the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) by media entities. At the forefront of this endeavour is Mediodecci Lustarini, Head of the Legal Affairs and Cooperation Team at Kominfo’s Directorate General of Information and Public Communication.
Speaking at the AI on Journalism discussion event held in Jakarta, Lustarini shed light on the pivotal role of transparency in both the information compilation process and its subsequent dissemination. Her assertion resonates not only within the Indonesian regulatory framework but also on a global scale, where transparency stands as a cornerstone principle guiding ethical AI implementation.
Transparency regarding AI usage must be prioritised, she affirmed, emphasising the need for robust ethical decision-making frameworks tailored specifically to the realm of journalism AI regulations. These frameworks serve as the bedrock for responsible AI adoption within media practices.
Moreover, Ides championed the cause of media and information literacy programmes, designed to empower individuals with the requisite skills to critically engage with AI-driven content. Through such initiatives, individuals are equipped with the tools to discern potential biases and make informed decisions when consuming media content in an AI-driven landscape.
While acknowledging the indispensable role of technology in expediting human tasks, Ides was quick to underscore the irreplaceable nature of human verification in the news-gathering process. While technology undoubtedly enhances efficiency, human oversight remains paramount, particularly in event verification processes where nuances and context play a significant role.
In response to the absence of specific regulations governing AI usage in journalism on a global scale, Kominfo has proactively issued circulars to national media outlets, urging the formulation of AI usage guidelines. These comprehensive guidelines cover a spectrum of aspects, including principles, implementation strategies, and organisational adaptation, with the overarching goal of fostering responsible AI utilisation within media practices.
Despite the absence of direct regulations, Indonesia’s AI governance landscape has been shaped by various legislative instruments, including Government Regulation Number 5 of 2021, Circular Letter of the Minister of Communication and Information Technology Number 9 of 2023, and Regulation of the Minister of Communication and Information Technology Number 3 of 2021.
Echoing sentiments on AI’s transformative impact, Nick Geisinger, Deputy Spokesperson of the United States Embassy in Jakarta, highlighted AI’s integration into newsrooms, revolutionising communication dynamics. Geisinger accentuated AI’s role in expediting news content creation, source identification, and news aggregation, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by deepfakes and hoaxes, emphasising the need for vigilance.
Similarly, the President of a strategic consultancy company, underscored the proliferation of disinformation facilitated by AI, stressing the imperative of critical evaluation and source verification. In a landscape rife with misinformation, she urged discernment and verification before believing, advocating for reliance on trusted media sources.
As AI continues to shape the media landscape, transparency, ethical considerations, and media literacy emerge as linchpins in fostering responsible AI integration and safeguarding the integrity of journalistic practices. Through collaborative efforts and informed decision-making, the media can navigate the complexities of the AI-driven era while upholding the principles of accuracy, fairness, and transparency.
OpenGov Asia reported that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology acknowledges the significance of student literacy in technology and AI for enhancing competence in the digital era. The Merdeka Curriculum aims to foster self-regulation and independent learning among students, preparing them to adapt to the evolving landscape of unstructured situations and uncertainty in the future.
Indonesia is keen to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence across all sectors, aiming to drive innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity throughout society. With such cutting-edge tech, the country is looking to propel itself towards a future marked by digital advancement and sustainable development.