UPH Professors Sound Alarm on AI Readiness, Political Ethics, and Persistent Tourism Woes
Jakarta, Indonesia – A distinguished panel of professors from Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) has issued a comprehensive assessment of the multifaceted challenges confronting Indonesia, ranging from the nation’s preparedness for the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) to critical issues of political ethics and the enduring weaknesses in its vital tourism sector. Their insights, delivered during a series of interviews and discussions on Monday, April 20, 2026, underscored the urgent need for strategic national responses to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
Navigating the AI Revolution: A Call for Ethical Preparedness
Professor Dr. Ir. Drs. Khoe Yao Tung, MM., M.Kom., MSc.Ed., M.Ed., DTh., a leading expert in educational science at UPH, voiced significant concerns regarding Indonesia’s current readiness to integrate and manage the accelerating pace of artificial intelligence, particularly within its educational system. "Fundamentally, we are still unprepared, because AI cannot be contained. We need ethics in AI usage and also its security," Professor Khoe stated, highlighting the inevitable permeation of AI into daily life and educational practices.
The global landscape of AI development has seen an exponential surge in recent years. From sophisticated algorithms driving recommendation systems to generative AI transforming content creation and data analysis, AI technologies are reshaping industries, economies, and societies worldwide. Major tech hubs in North America, Europe, and East Asia have invested heavily in AI research and development, creating a significant technological gap with many developing nations. While Indonesia has made strides in digital adoption, particularly in e-commerce and fintech, the deeper integration of AI into public services, manufacturing, and education remains nascent. According to recent reports from the World Economic Forum, countries that proactively develop national AI strategies—encompassing regulation, ethical guidelines, infrastructure, and workforce training—are better positioned to harness AI’s benefits while mitigating its risks.
Professor Khoe emphasized that without a robust framework for understanding and ethical deployment, AI poses substantial dangers, particularly for younger generations. "If we do not prepare our children to use it correctly and ethically, it will become a danger to us," he warned. This apprehension stems from concerns over misinformation, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for AI to undermine critical thinking skills if not managed responsibly. He advocated for the immediate strengthening of "AI citizenship" concepts within the national curriculum. This concept extends beyond mere digital literacy, encompassing a deep understanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations, the ethical implications of its use, and the development of critical evaluation skills to navigate AI-generated content and systems.
The professor’s call for embracing AI "with a clear framework" aligns with international dialogues around responsible AI. Organizations like UNESCO have published recommendations on the ethics of AI, urging member states to develop policies that ensure AI systems are human-centered, transparent, fair, and accountable. These frameworks often include guidelines on data governance, algorithmic transparency, human oversight, and the protection of fundamental rights. For Indonesia, implementing such a framework would involve multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together government, academia, industry, and civil society to draft policies that are culturally sensitive yet globally aligned. This proactive approach, rather than outright prohibition, is deemed essential to leverage AI for national development while safeguarding societal values and individual well-being. The implications of inaction are stark: a widening digital divide, an unprepared workforce, and increased vulnerability to AI-related ethical and security breaches.
Reclaiming the Essence of Power: The Pursuit of Bonum Commune
Shifting focus to the intricacies of governance, Professor Dr. Drs. Thomas Tokan Pureklolon, M.Ph., M.M., M.Si., a distinguished UPH Professor of Political Science, issued a compelling invitation to the public to reconsider the fundamental purpose of power—as an instrument for achieving the common good, or bonum commune. His discourse comes at a critical juncture for Indonesian politics, often characterized by robust electoral cycles and dynamic policy debates, where the pursuit of collective welfare can sometimes be overshadowed by short-term interests or partisan agendas.
Professor Thomas underscored that the entire edifice of the political system and public policy must be firmly anchored in principles that transcend mere legality, embracing a profound moral dimension. "The common good means that after regulation, all rules, all systems that occur, must first contain natural law. That natural law has three components: the law of God, humanity, and nature," he elaborated. This philosophical bedrock, rooted in ancient and modern political thought, posits that there are inherent moral principles that guide human flourishing and societal harmony, irrespective of positive (man-made) law.
The concept of bonum commune has been a cornerstone of political philosophy for centuries, advocating that the state’s ultimate purpose is to serve the collective well-being of its citizens. In a developing democracy like Indonesia, where institutional strength is continuously evolving, upholding this principle is paramount. Challenges such as corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and socio-economic disparities can erode public trust and divert resources away from the common good. Professor Thomas’s call serves as a timely reminder for policymakers and citizens alike to scrutinize whether current political actions and legislative frameworks truly embody these higher moral principles.
To genuinely manifest bonum commune within Indonesia’s political system and public policy, Professor Thomas argued for the internalization of these three tenets of natural law into the country’s positive legal framework. This would entail a deeper philosophical integration, ensuring that laws are not just technically sound but also ethically robust and reflective of universal human values. For instance, policies concerning environmental protection would derive not only from regulatory mandates but also from a recognition of humanity’s moral obligation to preserve nature. Similarly, social welfare policies would be guided by the inherent dignity of every human being, transcending mere economic calculations. "There must be meaning, value, and purpose, which is to achieve shared happiness," he concluded, linking the abstract concept of bonum commune directly to the tangible outcome of collective societal well-being.
The implications of such a reorientation are profound. It would necessitate a paradigm shift from a purely procedural understanding of democracy to one that is substantively ethical. It would demand greater transparency, accountability, and a commitment to justice from all political actors. Furthermore, it would empower civil society to advocate for policies that genuinely serve the broader public interest, fostering a more engaged and morally conscious citizenry. The challenge lies in translating these lofty ideals into practical governance, ensuring that the pursuit of power is perpetually tethered to the advancement of human dignity and the flourishing of the nation as a whole.
Revitalizing Tourism: Addressing Service Gaps and Cleanliness Imperatives
On the economic front, Professor Dr. Juliana, S.E., M.M., UPH’s esteemed Professor in Hospitality and Tourism Management, shone a critical light on persistent weaknesses plaguing Indonesia’s vibrant yet often underdeveloped tourism sector. Her observations centered on the subpar quality of service and the pervasive issue of cleanliness, two critical factors that significantly impact a tourist’s experience and a destination’s overall appeal. "The hospitality is still lacking in Indonesia. In terms of cleanliness, it is also still a big homework," she candidly remarked, echoing common sentiments among international visitors and industry stakeholders.
Indonesia, with its unparalleled natural beauty—from the iconic beaches of Bali and the ancient temples of Borobudur to the pristine marine biodiversity of Raja Ampat and the unique wildlife of Komodo Island—possesses immense tourism potential. The sector is a significant contributor to the national economy, generating substantial foreign exchange and creating millions of jobs. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has consistently set ambitious targets for international tourist arrivals and revenue, recognizing tourism as a key driver for economic growth and diversification. However, realizing this potential requires more than just natural assets; it demands a robust infrastructure, high-quality services, and a commitment to sustainability and cleanliness.
Despite various government campaigns, such as "Wonderful Indonesia," aimed at promoting the country globally, the on-the-ground experience for many tourists often falls short. Data from traveler reviews on major platforms frequently cite issues related to inconsistent service standards, particularly in non-star accommodations and local eateries, as well as challenges with waste management and general public area cleanliness, especially outside primary tourist hubs. Compared to regional competitors like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, which have invested heavily in hospitality training and infrastructure, Indonesia still faces a significant gap in delivering a consistently high-quality visitor experience across its diverse destinations. This can impact repeat visitation rates and the country’s overall brand image as a premium travel destination.
Professor Juliana emphasized that merely relying on the allure of natural wonders is insufficient for sustained growth and competitiveness in the global tourism market. Instead, she advocated for a comprehensive, collaborative approach that actively involves local communities, fosters creativity in tourism product development, and rigorously elevates service standards. This entails significant investment in human resource development—training for hotel staff, tour guides, restaurant personnel, and even local vendors—to instill a culture of genuine hospitality and professionalism. Initiatives like community-based tourism, which empower local residents to manage and benefit from tourism activities, can also foster a sense of ownership and pride, leading to improved service and environmental stewardship.
The implications of addressing these "big homework" items are profound. Enhanced service quality and improved cleanliness would not only elevate the tourist experience but also encourage longer stays, increased spending, and positive word-of-mouth recommendations, which are invaluable in the digital age. Furthermore, a commitment to cleanliness and sustainable waste management is crucial for preserving Indonesia’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations, preventing environmental degradation that could ultimately deter tourists. This holistic approach, integrating community involvement, creative product diversification, and unwavering dedication to service excellence, is vital for Indonesia to unlock its full tourism potential and solidify its position as a world-class travel destination.
A Holistic Vision for Indonesia’s Future
The diverse perspectives articulated by these UPH professors collectively paint a vivid picture of the multifaceted challenges confronting Indonesia. From the imperative of ethical AI integration in education to the foundational principles of moral governance and the practical demands of enhancing the tourism sector, these issues are not isolated but intricately interconnected, shaping the nation’s trajectory towards sustainable development and prosperity.
The rapid evolution of technology, particularly AI, necessitates not just technological adoption but also a concurrent ethical and educational transformation to ensure that innovation serves humanity. Simultaneously, the bedrock of any prosperous society rests on sound governance guided by principles of justice and the common good, demanding a continuous introspection into the moral compass of political power. Finally, leveraging Indonesia’s immense natural wealth, particularly in tourism, requires meticulous attention to service quality, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship, ensuring that economic gains are sustainable and beneficial to all stakeholders.
The insights from academia, exemplified by the UPH professors, play a crucial role in fostering national dialogue, identifying critical gaps, and proposing strategic pathways forward. Their calls for preparedness, ethical recalibration, and quality enhancement underscore the urgent need for a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to these complex challenges. As Indonesia navigates the coming decade, its ability to integrate technological advancement with ethical governance and sustainable economic practices will define its success on both the domestic and global stages. Addressing these core issues with foresight, collaboration, and unwavering commitment will be paramount to securing a prosperous and equitable future for all Indonesians.
