Indonesia pushes for ethics-first approach to AI development

Indonesia’s government has called on technology developers and stakeholders to embed ethical considerations into artificial intelligence systems from the ground up, as authorities prepare new AI governance regulations.

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria made the remarks following the opening of an AI Talent Factory workshop at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta last week, citing concerns over misuse cases such as non-consensual photo manipulation as evidence of the risks posed by unguided AI deployment.

“We are not restricting innovation. However, when a product is released to the public, ethical aspects must be taken into account,” he said.

Nezar pointed to an “ethics by design” framework as the government’s preferred model — one that integrates ethical safeguards at the design stage rather than as an afterthought. He highlighted generative AI’s capacity to produce religiously sensitive or explicit content as a particular area of concern requiring proactive technological controls.

The government is finalising an AI policy document intended to complement Indonesia’s existing national AI roadmap. The document is expected to be issued as a presidential regulation, though no timeline has been confirmed.

The deputy minister’s comments were echoed by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who separately stressed the importance of ethical awareness and critical thinking in AI use during a visit to Bandung, West Java. Gibran noted the growing role of AI in education while cautioning that users must understand the boundaries the technology operates within.

Indonesia has been accelerating its AI governance agenda amid rapid adoption across public and private sectors, with the presidential regulation expected to provide a clearer regulatory framework for developers operating in the country.