Mastery of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer merely a technological matter — it has become a defining factor in global geopolitics. Nations that lead in AI development hold significant influence over the shape of the world order. Recognizing this, the Indonesian Government is actively cultivating digital talent among the younger generation, steering them toward building AI technologies that serve both industry and national development.
“Going forward, the workforce will be a combination of humans and digital humans. This is both a challenge and an opportunity for us to prepare talents who are not only capable of using technology, but developing it,” said Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria at the opening of the Artificial Intelligence Talent Factory (AITF) Workshop, held on Friday, April 17.
PROBLEM-FIRST APPROACH
Nezar emphasized the importance of a problem-first mindset in AI development — prioritizing solutions to real-world challenges. He identified sectors such as healthcare, food, energy, and fisheries as strategic fields ripe for AI-driven innovation. Beyond technical skills, he also stressed the value of non-technical competencies including critical thinking, ethical judgment, and human-AI interaction design. “AI development must remain human-centered and must not produce negative impacts,” he stated.
AI AS A TOOL, NOT A SHORTCUT
Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho, Vice Rector for Planning, Assets, and Information Systems, underscored that AI’s value depends entirely on the human operating it. “AI is a tool. How beneficial it is depends on the person behind it. Without a strong foundational understanding, AI use can actually lead to misinterpretation,” he explained.
He called on students to serve as agents of change — not passive consumers of technology. “Students must be agents of change, not just technology users. The use of AI must always be accompanied by critical thinking,” he affirmed.
INTO THE AGE OF AGENTIC AI
The workshop featured expert Prof. Dr. Ir. Esther Irawati Setiawan, a Google Developer Expert in AI and Cloud Computing, who discussed the rapid evolution from conventional machine learning toward large language models (LLMs) and the emerging era of Agentic AI. “We have entered the era of Agentic AI, where systems don’t just respond — they reason, plan, and execute tasks,” she explained.
She also cautioned against over-reliance on LLMs, noting that conventional machine learning approaches are often more efficient for specific use cases. “LLMs are trending, but not every solution requires an LLM. We need to match the tool to the need to avoid overkill.”
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
The AITF Workshop, co-organized by Komdigi and Universitas Gadjah Mada, engaged 98 students and 28 mentors from UGM, Universitas Brawijaya, and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS). Sessions included progress discussions, use case mentoring, and expert lectures — all aimed at deepening participants’ understanding of AI and developing practical, AI-based solutions.
The collaboration aims to cultivate adaptive, critical, and solution-oriented digital talent capable of contributing to Indonesia’s digital transformation — particularly in strengthening public communication and information resilience nationwide.
