Indonesia's Religious Affairs Minister Calls for AI Sovereignty Rooted in Ethics and Human Values

SC, UIN News Online — Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., has called for the development of "AI sovereignty" grounded in religious and humanitarian values, urging public servants to ensure that emerging technologies promote social harmony rather than division.

The message was delivered in the Minister's address marking the 80th Anniversary of Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs, which was read by Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, during a commemorative ceremony held at the University's Student Center on Saturday (3 January).

In his address, the Minister reflected on history, noting that religion has long served as a catalyst for intellectual progress. He cited Bayt al-Hikmah (the House of Wisdom)—the renowned medieval center of scholarship in Baghdad—as an enduring example of how faith and scientific inquiry can work together to advance civilization.

"The House of Wisdom was far more than a library. It was a global center of research and translation where religious values and rational inquiry came together to address humanity's challenges. That spirit is one we must revive today," the Minister said.

Turning to contemporary challenges, the Minister highlighted the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in an era increasingly defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). He stressed that Indonesia should not merely consume AI technologies developed elsewhere but should build the capacity to shape their development responsibly.

"We must not remain spectators in the age of artificial intelligence. Indonesia must strive for AI sovereignty," he stated.

The Minister emphasized that civil servants within the Ministry of Religious Affairs have a strategic role in ensuring that digital platforms and AI ecosystems are enriched with authoritative, credible, and moderate religious perspectives. He warned that technological progress should never be detached from ethical principles or human dignity.

"The algorithms that shape our future must become instruments of unity and mutual understanding—not vehicles for misinformation, polarization, or social division," he said.

To meet these challenges, the Minister encouraged all Ministry personnel to embrace continuous transformation by becoming more agile, adaptable, and open to technological innovation while maintaining empathy, integrity, and a strong commitment to public service.

He concluded by reaffirming the theme of the Ministry's 80th anniversary—"Religious Harmony and Synergy for a Peaceful and Progressive Indonesia"—expressing confidence that ethical leadership, meaningful public service, and responsible technological innovation will enable Indonesia to build a more peaceful, prosperous, and dignified future.