January 3, 2026 | 03:45 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar analogizes artificial intelligence (AI) technology as a double-edged sword. According to Nasaruddin, the technology can bring great progress, but also has the potential to cause dehumanization if not carefully and wisely managed.
He emphasizes the importance of managing and governing the use of AI. "Artificial intelligence is like an atom. It can be a very cheap and abundant source of energy. But if misused, its impact can also be very dangerous," Nasaruddin said in Jakarta on Saturday, January 3, 2026, as quoted from an official statement on the Ministry of Religion's website.
He stated that the Ministry of Religion plays a role in providing moral guidance in the development of technology, including AI. Nasaruddin believes that the development of artificial intelligence needs to be accompanied by spiritual guidance. "Without religious values, AI has the potential to give birth to new forms of dehumanization. This is what we need to anticipate together," he said.
He then added that the Ministry of Religion is following up on the Istiqlal Declaration as part of an effort to provide ethical guidance for technological development. "The role of the Ministry of Religion is to provide direction to the people and the nation," Nasaruddin said.
He cautioned that artificial intelligence must not become a boomerang or a catastrophe. Rather, technology should be used to accelerate the nation's progress and competitiveness.
Minister Nasaruddin also considers an ethical and spiritual approach in the development of AI to be important amid increasingly fierce global competition. He stated that technological advancement must continue to be based on human values in order not to erode human dignity.
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