UNAIR Postgraduate School Welcomes Deputy Minister of Culture to Discuss AI’s Impact on the Creative Industries
The Postgraduate School of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) conducted a public lecture on April 26, 2025, featuring Deputy Minister of Culture H. Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, S.I.Kom., as the keynote speaker. The event, held in the Majapahit Room of the ASSEC Tower on the Dharmawangsa-B Campus, was titled “From Indonesia to the World: The Future of the Indonesian Music Industry in the Age of Imitative Intelligence.”
Key Insights on AI in the Creative Sector
During the lecture, Minister Djumaryo emphasized the importance of critically assessing the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative sector. In his opening remarks, he shared personal insights regarding his experiences with composing music using AI, indicating that while technological advancements in music creation exist, they often lack emotional depth. He stated, “When I created a song using AI, something was missing—it lacked soul.”
The Double-Edged Sword of AI
The minister addressed the rapid global integration of AI technologies, mentioning that platforms such as ChatGPT have attracted over 500 million users. While he acknowledged the efficiencies that AI can introduce, he also cautioned about its potential drawbacks, describing it as a double-edged sword. He articulated a nuanced perspective on AI, stating, “In my view, AI is a fifty-fifty situation.”
AI as an Inorganic Species
Minister Djumaryo characterized AI as a new “inorganic species” potentially capable of surpassing human cognitive abilities, drawing comparisons to earlier technological revolutions. He cautioned that AI’s impact on daily life could be more significant than those of previous innovations. Notably, he raised concerns about trends in AI-generated content that mimic popular culture, stressing the necessity of valuing human creativity despite the capabilities of AI in producing art and illustrations. He referenced well-known Indonesian artists such as Basuki Abdullah and Affandi, arguing that AI should serve as a complementary tool to, rather than a replacement for, genuine artistic expression. “Excessive reliance on technology can erode our originality,” he remarked.
Government Strategies for AI Implementation
In outlining government strategies related to AI, Minister Djumaryo presented key initiatives aimed at fostering digital talent, improving healthcare delivery, developing smart cities, streamlining bureaucratic processes, and ensuring food security. He underscored that ethical considerations must steer AI implementation, emphasizing that it should not propagate hate or misinformation and should align with national development objectives.
Encouraging Active Engagement in Creativity
In concluding the session, he urged students, especially those at UNAIR, to engage actively in the preservation of creativity and cultural identity in the context of rapid technological change. He reaffirmed his balanced view on AI, declaring, “I see AI as a fifty-fifty deal. It’s smarter and faster than us, but as humans, we must adapt.”
Author: Adinda Octavia Setiowati
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
Source: Universitas Airlangga
