PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG REGENCY - Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Gibran Rakabuming Raka accompanied by Deputy Governor of West Java Erwan Setiawan reviewed the implementation of the AI Ready ASEAN Workshop entitled "Empowering Students for the Future: AI Literacy for a Digital ASEAN" at SMP Plus Muthahari, Bandung Regency, West Java, Wednesday (4/3/2026).

This activity was attended by around 500 students and aimed to expand artificial intelligence (AI) literacy while equipping students with a basic understanding of how this technology can be used in everyday life.

This visit aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita (Public Policy), specifically strengthening superior human resources, accelerating digital transformation, and improving the quality of technology-based education. The goal is to prepare the younger generation to face global competition in the digital economy era.

In his remarks, Gibran emphasized the importance of early introduction to technology to ensure Indonesia's young generation stays abreast of global technological developments. He explained that his visits to several schools in West Java aimed to introduce AI literacy and robotics, as well as foster students' interest in digital technology.

"We're focusing on visiting schools to introduce AI and robotics lessons. Earlier, one school also introduced an extracurricular activity focused on e-sports. There's even a game that can be entered into international competitions," Gibran said.

He added that the use of AI is now increasingly embedded in everyday life, including in the teaching and learning process in schools.

"Essentially, the use of AI is crucial for everyday life, especially to support teaching and learning activities. But on the other hand, we must also understand that AI has its own rules and ethics, so that's something that needs to be considered," he explained.

He also expressed his appreciation to the ASEAN Foundation and Google.org for supporting the AI literacy program for students in Indonesia. He believes that introducing digital technology to students needs to be further expanded so that the younger generation can meet the challenges of the times.

"Thank you very much to the ASEAN Foundation and Google.org for your support for our children. We don't want our children to be left behind in technological developments, especially AI," said Gibran.

On this occasion, Gibran also engaged in a dialogue with the students. One of them, Mirza Ali Musyafa, asked Gibran's views on the environmental impact of AI technology developments, particularly the use of water resources in data center operations.

Responding to the question, Gibran emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between technological progress and environmental sustainability.

"Any progress in this era inevitably has its pros and cons for the environment. The challenge is finding a middle ground. We want technology to develop, we want AI to be widely used, but environmental sustainability must also be considered," he explained.

The AI Ready ASEAN Workshop is a program organized by the ASEAN Foundation with support from Google.org to expand AI literacy in Southeast Asia. Through this program, students are introduced to the basic concepts of AI, the ethical use of technology, and its applications in various aspects of life.

ASEAN Foundation Executive Director Piti Srisangnam said the program aims to provide equal opportunities for students to understand AI technology and use it responsibly.

"We believe every student, wherever they are, deserves an equal opportunity to understand and utilize artificial intelligence. Digital transformation isn't just about technology; it's about opening up opportunities for young people to innovate and positively impact their communities," he said.