Facing the Threat of 92 Million Automated Jobs, Deputy Minister of Education and Technology: Indonesian Humans Must Not Lose
Jakarta, October 14, 2025 – The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) poses a profound challenge to the global workforce, with predictions estimating that 92 million existing jobs could become automated by 2025. In response to this looming threat, Stella Christie, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Research and Technology, has underscored the critical importance of developing superior human resources as the nation’s primary strategy to face these transformative changes.
Speaking at a recent event covered by ANTARA on Tuesday, October 14, Stella emphasized that the key to thriving amid AI advancements lies not in the technology itself but in enhancing human qualities. “Human resources who have empathy, creativity, and analytical thinking skills will not be replaced by AI,” she remarked firmly.
Stella elaborated on global phenomena illustrating AI’s increasing capabilities, noting that studies reveal AI platforms like ChatGPT can provide answers that are perceived as more empathetic and accurate than those given by human doctors in certain medical cases. This only serves to highlight a vital lesson: technology can surpass human performance if humans cease to develop their values and intellectual capacities.
The Dual Impact of AI: Threats and Opportunities
Drawing on data from the World Economic Forum, Stella revealed that while AI is poised to displace around 92 million jobs worldwide through automation, it is also expected to create approximately 97 million new roles by 2025. This dual impact demands a concerted effort in continuously upskilling and reskilling the workforce to remain competitive.
“If we don’t adapt, AI will become a disruptor. But if we manage it wisely, AI will become an enabler,” Stella cautioned, urging Indonesia’s educational and technological sectors to prioritize competence enhancement and lifelong learning.
The Deputy Minister outlined four primary global challenges posed by AI that must be addressed:
- Threats to employment and the exacerbation of economic inequality.
- Increased vulnerabilities in cybersecurity.
- Reduced reliability of information, with widespread hoaxes and disinformation.
- Growing digital inequality across populations.
However, Stella pointed out that these very challenges could be transformed into opportunities. AI has the potential to generate new employment sectors, bolster cybersecurity defenses, improve fact-checking mechanisms, and ensure broader access to education and healthcare services.
Indonesia’s Path Forward: Embracing AI as a Tool, Not an Enemy
Stella Christie summarized her perspective by emphasizing that AI should not be viewed as an adversary to humans. Instead, it is a tool whose benefits depend on effective leadership: “If we are able to direct, regulate and supervise it, then AI will strengthen the nation, not weaken it.”
Her message calls for a balanced approach where human qualities such as empathy, creativity, and analytical thinking are continually nurtured alongside technological advancements. This approach is crucial for Indonesia to maintain its competitive edge and ensure that its workforce remains relevant and resilient in the face of rapid automation.
The statement from the Deputy Minister comes amid a global push to rethink education, employment, and technology policies as AI reshapes economies and societies worldwide. Indonesia’s commitment to human resource development signals its determination not to be left behind in this new era.
This article is based on reports by VOI’s editorial team and referenced statements by Deputy Minister Stella Christie as published on October 14, 2025. Translations into multiple languages are AI-generated; readers are advised to refer to the original Indonesian texts for accuracy.
