Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi Attends Democracy Summit in Seoul, Discusses Artificial Intelligence Use

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi conveyed that democracy and technology must be able to be forces for good. This was stated at the Ministerial Level Meeting at the 3rd Democracy Summit in Seoul, South Korea on Monday, March 18. 

In her opening remarks, Retno Marsudi stated that democracy faces many challenges. She invited all countries to make democracy better and deliver more benefits to the people. "We all have a responsibility to prevent failed democracies," said Minister Retno, as cited from the Foreign Ministry's official website.

Minister Retno emphasized that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should strengthen democracy, not pose a threat to it. Therefore, she offered three important steps to ensure this goal:

First, promoting a democratic global digital governance. "The path to global digital governance must be free, open, secure, unfragmented, and inclusive," she said. Transformative technologies, such as AI, must be navigated by and for the interests of many people. Indonesia has introduced regulations on AI ethics, both at the national level and within the ASEAN framework.

Second, closing the global digital divide. Technologies like AI must be treated as global public goods. The voice of developing countries must become an essential part of the ensemble of global digital development. In this regard, Minister Retno conveyed that Indonesia actively participates in negotiations for the Global Digital Compact and other avenues in the United Nations and other international forums.

Third, ensuring collective risk mitigation. "AI can be a double-edged sword," said Minister Retno.  While AI is a tool for democracy, on the other hand, it can also be used as a tool for manipulation and disinformation. Therefore, digital literacy and innovation are necessary to counter the misuse of artificial intelligence.

During the meeting, Retno Marsudi also highlighted the worsening situation in Gaza even during the holy month of Ramadhan while emphasizing the importance of support for unhindered humanitarian assistance and called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Summit for Democracy (SFD) is an international dialogue mechanism to promote democracy. The third SFD meeting was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, with the theme "Digital Technology/AI and Democracy."  It was attended by representatives of 28 countries.

During the visit, Minister Retno also held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea, Cho Tae-yul, discussing various bilateral issues, in particular the protection of Indonesian nationals. She also took the opportunity to have an iftar with the Muslim community at Seoul Central Mosque, Itaewon, Seoul. 

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