AI Governance in the Indonesian Public Sector: Risks, Scenarios, and Policy Recommendations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly developed into a technology that not only impacts the private sector, but has also begun to be adopted by public institutions in Indonesia. From predictive systems for decision-making to public service chatbots, the use of AI in bureaucracy is now a reality. However, behind the promised efficiency, there are potential risks that have not been seriously anticipated by policymakers.<br>To date, Indonesia does not have a comprehensive national policy framework to regulate the use of AI in the public sector. Meanwhile, other countries such as the European Union and the United States have taken concrete steps through regulations such as the EU AI Act and the AI ​​Bill of Rights. The absence of this regulation opens up space for algorithmic bias, violations of citizen privacy, high-scale disinformation, and erosion of public trust in state institutions.<br>This paper identifies four categories of systemic risks of AI in public governance in Indonesia: (1) risks to democracy through the spread of automated disinformation, (2) risks of social bias in public services, (3) risks to transparency and accountability of government, and (4) risks of violations of citizens' privacy rights.<br>Through comparative studies and forward-looking scenario approaches, this paper offers a number of strategic recommendations: the establishment of an AI Governance Task Force, adaptation of an AI risk assessment framework based on the EU AI Act, implementation of algorithm audits for public systems, and public participation in every AI implementation that impacts public services.<br>Indonesia's future cannot be built on invisible and uncontrolled technology. AI is a new infrastructure that requires regulation as soon as possible. This paper is a call to action now—before the machine runs faster than its regulation.