Indonesia Deputy Minister urges workforce preparation for AI impact

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria, has urged the workforce to prepare for the significant shifts in employment caused by the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at a training session regarding the impact of AI on the workforce, Patria noted that while AI offers productivity opportunities, it also presents a real dilemma by changing how people work, make decisions, and serve the public.

Citing a report from the International Labour Organization (ILO), Patria highlighted that nearly one in four workers in the ASEAN region holds a job exposed to generative AI. He warned that the implications extend beyond individual employment, potentially affecting national income and fiscal structures.

To mitigate these risks, the Deputy Minister emphasized that the Indonesian government must act proactively rather than waiting for the impacts to manifest. He advocated for early policy intervention to strengthen the government's capacity to manage and utilize the technology for national interests, including the urgent need for upskilling and retraining civil servants.