Government Calls for Human-Centered Workplace AI Adoption

RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang - Minister of Manpower, Yassierli has called for the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace to remain human-centered and focused on improving national workforce productivity. He said AI should not be used solely to replace workers, but also to strengthen their capabilities and skills.

Yassierli said sectors with higher levels of AI adoption have recorded faster productivity growth than those with lower levels of AI use. However, he stressed that the use of the technology does not necessarily lead to drastic reductions in the workforce.

“AI adoption is not simply about hiring experts or using AI merely as a digital assistant,” Yassierli said while speaking at the Indonesia Human Capital and Beyond Summit 2026 in Tangerang, Banten, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

He explained that productivity gains from AI adoption largely depend on how companies improve their work processes. Using AI merely as an operational assistant increases productivity by an average of around five percent. However, if workflows and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are redesigned and accompanied by workforce upskilling, productivity could increase by 30 to 40 percent.

“Therefore, technological transformation needs to be positioned as part of a strategy to strengthen competitiveness while supporting sustainable workforce development,” he explained.

In adopting AI in the workplace, the Ministry of Manpower is promoting four principles. First, AI should be used to enhance human capabilities rather than simply replace workers. Second, its implementation should be participatory, involving workers as well as trade unions or labor unions.

Third, AI-generated decisions that affect workers’ rights, safety, and employment opportunities must remain under human oversight. Fourth, AI adoption must ensure that no workers are left behind, including senior workers, through appropriate upskilling programs.

To support responsible AI adoption, the Ministry of Manpower is implementing AI-based productivity pilot projects, developing official guidelines for AI use in the workplace, and establishing a collaborative platform for companies to share knowledge and best practices.