A worker arranges glass bottles at a bottle factory in East Jakarta on Wednesday. The bottle production facility relies on gas for fuel. Gas has been used in the facility for 14 years as it is deemed to be safer and more efficient and environmentally friendly.
The impact of a massive rise in artificial intelligence products, which could threaten employment and the economy, has been featured in Kompas in recent days.
The message we have highlighted is that this phenomenon needs to be responded to and managed properly, well, wisely and sensibly. The invasion of such products also demand adaptation at all levels: society, business, government. Observers have warned of the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on everyday lives, the community, environment, business climate, economic system and structure.
The role of robotic technology in many countries has displaced and reconceptualized the role of humans in various fields. Starting from simple tasks, constructing buildings, and even later may replace the role of human thinking, or even reconstruct the structure of the human brain itself.
A number of professions are feared to disappear and a number of sectors would certainly be affected. For Indonesia, this is a serious problem, since the huge demographic and economic structure is very labor intensive. Its manifestations can be on employment, economic structure and social politics.
As disclosed by quantum physicist Stephen Hawking, AI can be positive and can be negative. On the one hand it creates extraordinarily massive business opportunities and potential. Automation and digitalization increase productivity, efficiency, incomes, employment, economic growth and ultimately human welfare.
However, on the other hand, AI changes the entire construction and order, which could have destructive effects. AI, which is intended to be the solution of all problems faced by humans, turns evil or even destroys humans themselves. It permanently displaces human roles, triggers war and other destructive acts. In the long run, it will remove the control and also human skills, become a monster that threatens humanity itself.
Therefore, the key is how to manage it properly, for the purpose of improving welfare. There is no need for us to stay away from it. On the contrary, it is a big challenge for us, how we can take advantage of the huge momentum and potential that we have, to compete in this wide-open business.
The attention of the government, private sector and various institutions on business start-ups in this field has started to show in recent years. Some are even serious in the field of their research and development. However, support is still inadequate from industry players.
As in other areas, the problems faced by start-ups are generally funding and business climate. We also need incubation centers that allow collaboration among various institutions, collaboration among local service providers and must produce as many developers as possible who can compete in the market. Signs and legal rules are clearly required to avoid misuses. The proactive role of all parties is needed.
