ASIATODAY.ID, SEOUL – Indonesia invites all countries to make democracy better and bring more benefits to society. The reason is that democracy currently faces many challenges.
“We all have a responsibility to prevent democracy from failing,” said Indonesian Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi when speaking at the Ministerial Level Meeting at the 3rd Democracy Summit in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 18 2024.
Retno said that democracy and technology must be a force for good. Artificial Intelligence (AI) must be able to strengthen democracy, not be a threat to democracy.
For this reason, Retno offers 3 steps to ensure this:
First, promoting democratic global digital governance. “The path to global digital governance must be free, open, safe, not fragmented and inclusive,” he said.
Digital technologies such as AI must be able to be navigated by and for the benefit of many people. Indonesia itself has introduced regulations regarding AI ethics, both at the national level and within the ASEAN framework.
Second, reducing the digital divide at the global level. Technology such as AI must be treated as a global public asset, so that countries can obtain easy, fair and equitable digital access.
The interests of developing countries must be an inseparable part of global digital development. Regarding this, Retno said that Indonesia plays an active role in negotiations on the Global Digital Compact and other efforts.
Third, ensure joint risk mitigation. “AI can be a double-edged sword,” said Retno.
On the one hand, AI can be a tool of democracy and on the other hand it can be used as a tool of manipulation and disinformation. Therefore, digital literacy and innovation are essential to combat the rise of fake news and misuse of AI, as well as to respond to cyber attacks.
During the meeting, Minister Retno also highlighted the worsening situation in Gaza in the holy month of Ramadan and emphasized the importance of support for humanitarian aid and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the Summit for Democracy (SFD) is an international dialogue mechanism to encourage the advancement of democracy. The third SFD meeting was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea with the theme “Digital Technology/AI and Democracy”. The conference was opened by the President of the Republic of Korea, Yun Suk Yeol, and attended by representatives from 28 countries.
On the sidelines of the visit, Minister Retno also held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Cho Tae-yul, discussing bilateral issues, especially the issue of protecting Indonesian citizens (WNI).
On March 17 2024, Minister Retno also broke the fast together with the Muslim community at the Seoul Central Mosque, Itaewon, Seoul. On this occasion, Minister Retno was welcomed by the Imam of the Seoul Mosque, A. Rahman Lee, as well as the management of the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF). (AT Network)
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