Indonesian Deputy Interior Minister urges youth to embrace digital disruption and AI

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya has called on Indonesia's youth to actively engage in nation-building by embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by digital disruption and artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at an event at Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University in Tangerang Selatan, Bima Arya encouraged young Indonesians to take on roles, however small, within their communities, campuses, or local governance.

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No matter how small, take a role. Whether in the neighborhood, in the community, in the city, on campus, take a role.

"No matter how small, take a role. Whether in the neighborhood, in the community, in the city, on campus, take a role," Bima Arya stated. He addressed student concerns about the rapid development of AI, urging them to remain optimistic. He posited that while AI is an inevitable technological advancement, human beings will always remain in control as long as they master it. "AI is a certainty, AI is a sign of the times. But believe, AI makes things easier and connects, but not everything can be replaced by AI. AI has no heart. AI has no conscience. AI will not produce wisdom and value. Humans will always be the winners, because humans have value," he explained.

Arya emphasized the need for the younger generation to read the "signs of the times" by developing both scientific knowledge and wisdom. He noted that societal and technological changes are accelerating rapidly, driven by digital platforms like TikTok and Threads, influencing real-world movements. To navigate this era, he identified three crucial competencies: digital skills for understanding the online world, thinking skills for analysis and problem-solving, and human skills for effective interpersonal relationships.

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AI is a certainty, AI is a sign of the times. But believe, AI makes things easier and connects, but not everything can be replaced by AI. AI has no heart. AI has no conscience. AI will not produce wisdom and value. Humans will always be the winners, because humans have value.

"Life is the art of socializing, making more friends, strengthening networks. And in time, you will believe that the life you get is meaningless without being balanced by character," Arya advised. He underscored that building character outside the campus environment is as vital as academic and technical skill development for young Indonesians aiming to contribute to the nation's progress in the digital age.

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Life is the art of socializing, making more friends, strengthening networks. And in time, you will believe that the life you get is meaningless without being balanced by character.