Jakarta, Clear Skies Magazine: Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited the Islamic boarding school Perguruan Islam Pondok Tremas in Pacitan, East Java, to observe firsthand the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) training for students, according to an official statement released on Thursday.
The visit, described as a companionship engagement, aimed to review ongoing efforts to equip the younger generation with essential skills to navigate the challenges of rapid digital transformation.
Addressing students during the visit, the Vice President underscored the growing importance of digital literacy and technological competence. “It is very important to face the challenges of an increasingly digital era in the future. Everyone must learn and students must not be left behind,” he stated.
Gibran emphasized that education in robotics, AI, and coding plays a critical role in developing analytical and computational thinking. He noted that such skills would enable students to transition from being mere consumers of technology to becoming innovators and creators.
During an interactive dialogue session, the Vice President addressed concerns raised by a student regarding the potential impact of automation on future employment. Responding to fears of job displacement by AI and robotics, Gibran reassured students of the enduring role of human ingenuity.
“Who creates the robots? Humans, don’t they? AI requires prompting, and the ones typing the prompts are still humans. In fact, there will be many new types of jobs. So, there is no need to worry. Humans will not be replaced,” he remarked.
He further highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in an era of rapid technological disruption. “We must always upgrade ourselves,” he added, expressing confidence that such initiatives would benefit students as they transition into the workforce.
The AI and robotics training program, conducted over two days, involved 30 senior high school students. The curriculum focused on enhancing computational thinking, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, reflecting Indonesia’s broader efforts to prepare its youth for a technology-driven future.