A Push to Harness Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom at Indonesian Universities

November 10, 2024

Contributor: Dadi Darmadi | Editor: Supriyono | Photo: Dadi Darmadi 


Yogyakarta, Indonesia — As artificial intelligence steadily reshapes industries worldwide, universities in Indonesia are looking to integrate this transformative technology into the fabric of higher education. This week, senior academic leaders from across the country gathered in Yogyakarta to explore how AI could enhance the learning experience — and grapple with the challenges it brings.

At a plenary session of the Academic Senate for State Universities with Legal Entities (PTN-BH), held at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) on Friday, faculty and researchers delved into the promise and pitfalls of AI for higher education. Among the participants was Dr. M. Rifqi Muna, Chair of the Academic Senate at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), who was joined by prominent academics, including Prof. Dian Masyita, as well as M. Kadafi and Dadi Darmadi, members of UIII’s Academic, and Media and Communications offices. 

The session, which brought together more than 200 representatives from 24 Indonesian universities, centered on a timely theme: “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Academic Activities in Higher Education.” 

A Growing Collaborative Network 

The event also marked UIII’s official induction as one of Indonesia’s PTN-BH institutions, underscoring the university’s commitment to engaging in pivotal conversations at the forefront of education and technology. With this status, UIII joins an elite network of Indonesian universities with a mandate to operate with greater autonomy and responsiveness to the rapid technological advancements shaping modern academia. 

Opened by remarks from Prof. Dr. Zamzani, Chair of UNY’s Academic Senate, and UNY Rector Prof. Dr. Sumaryanto, the event unfolded under UNY’s guiding motto: “Excellence, Creativity, and Sustainable Innovation.” UNY’s tagline, “Education as an Investment in Civilization,” echoed the ambitious vision laid out by leaders seeking to ensure Indonesian academia keeps pace with global developments in AI. 

As Indonesian universities step into the AI era, the conversation in Yogyakarta signals a larger shift — one that could redefine classrooms and campuses across the archipelago.