The Minister Of Manpower Highlights Collaborative AI Governance At The BRICS Forum

JAKARTA - Minister of Manpower (Menaker) Yassierli highlighted the importance of collaborative and fair artificial intelligence (AI) governance.

In the BRICS Minister of Manpower Meeting in Brasilia, Brazil, Saturday WIB, it was emphasized that AI was not just a trend, but a transformational force that changed the way the world works, including in Indonesia.

"AI has changed the industry and redefined skills. However, with such a potential, this transformation must be managed wisely and inclusively," said the Minister of Manpower.

According to him, AI presents two sides of the challenge. On the one hand, AI promises efficiency, increased productivity, as well as new job opportunities and innovations. However, without inclusive governance, AI risks widening the gap and leaving part of the workforce.

Indonesia does not see AI as a threat, but as a force that must be used responsibly. Technology must serve humanity, not the other way around, "said Yassierli.

The Minister of Manpower explained that Indonesia prioritizes a community-based approach (people-centric approach) in AI adoption, with the aim of creating wider opportunities, protecting human dignity, and strengthening social justice.

The approach is realized through four main focuses. The first is digital inclusion. The government views access to technology, infrastructure, and digital literacy as basic rights.

"Indonesia is committed to ensuring that rural communities, informal workers, and vulnerable groups are not left behind in digital transformation," Yassierli said.

Second, skill preparation. To answer the skills gap due to rapid technological advances, Indonesia encourages the modernization of vocational training through industrial and educational partnerships.

The national training program is designed so that the utilization of AI can be carried out in a large, efficient, and reach more than 280 million people.

"We are also building a National Productivity Center with AI as a strategic theme, both as a subject of research and a tool for labor transformation," said the Minister of Manpower.

Third, adaptive social protection. The social protection system must be able to accommodate the transition period of work. The Job Loss Insurance Program in Indonesia is a real example, because it combines income support, retraining, and facilitation of relocation of work.

Fourth, inclusive social dialogue. The Minister of Manpower said that the active participation of governments, employers, and workers is the key in formulating policies and frameworks for AI governance that are fair and responsible.

In the forum, Indonesia also invited BRICS countries to strengthen global cooperation, especially in investment in digital skills, exchange of inclusive employment policies, collaboration of AI governance, and promotion of justice-based innovation and sustainability.