Menko PMK Advocates “Technology for Humanity” in Disaster Policy and Management
Jakarta, December 3, 2025 — The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK), Pratikno, emphasized the vital role of advanced technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and robotics—in supporting humanitarian objectives, particularly in disaster response and public policy formulation. His remarks were delivered during the inauguration of the Indonesian Smart Technology Society (MTCI) held at the Heritage Hall of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture in Jakarta.
Opening his keynote speech, Menko PMK Pratikno called on all attendees to remember and pray for victims of the recent floods and landslides that have afflicted Sumatra and other regions across Indonesia. He reported that the government has been actively engaged since the first day of the emergency response phase, with all ministries and agencies mobilized to coordinate disaster relief efforts under the direct guidance of President Joko Widodo.
“The government is working tirelessly from day one. The President has instructed all relevant ministries and agencies to exert every effort and mobilize all available resources to overcome this disaster, which is currently in the emergency response stage,” the minister affirmed.
Highlighting the complexities faced in disaster management, particularly due to challenging terrain, vast affected areas, and Indonesia’s diverse geography, Pratikno underscored the necessity for precision and human-centered innovation in technological applications. He elaborated that intelligent technology could greatly enhance the accuracy of victim location, facilitate drone deployment in inaccessible areas, and enable the use of sophisticated robots capable of operating in difficult environments.
“Smart technology will substantially aid in pinpointing victims’ locations with precision, deploying unmanned drones to reach difficult sites, and utilizing advanced robots that can function in very harsh conditions,” said Menko PMK.
However, he also raised a cautionary note about the risks of technological inequality if such advanced tools are monopolized by limited groups. To counter this, Pratikno advocated for a ‘technology for humanity’ paradigm—one that ensures technology empowers vulnerable populations, supports communities affected by disasters, assists individuals with disabilities, and expands equitable access to vital public services including healthcare.
Beyond disaster management, the minister advocated integrating smart technology more deeply into risk-based and precision-driven development policies. Effective disaster mitigation and enhanced public service systems, he said, depend on leveraging technology to build community resilience and optimize policy ecosystems.
“Let us harness this technology within precision policy frameworks to prevent disasters, improve our ecosystems, enhance community resilience, and develop rapid response capabilities supporting human efforts. Technology for humanity is our ongoing mission,” Pratikno concluded.
The MTCI inauguration marks a new collaborative platform uniting government bodies, academia, innovation ecosystems, and the private sector to develop inclusive technologies grounded in humanitarian values and attuned to the needs of the broader population.
Distinguished guests at the event included Jakarta’s Deputy Governor Rano Karno, Director General of Early Childhood Education, Education Units, and Special Education (PAUD Dasmen) at the Ministry of Education and Culture Gogot Suharwoto, as well as the Special Staff for Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence at the Ministry of Education and Culture, Muhammad Muchlas Rowi.
The Ministry continues its commitment to accelerate progress on disaster response and human development by integrating innovative, technology-backed policies that put humanity at the center of its efforts.
Related Developments:
- On the same day, Menko PMK received policy recommendations at the IDMS 2025 forum aimed at strengthening disaster management strategies.
- A rapid response to floods and landslides in Sumatra was also highlighted, emphasizing heightened government responsiveness.
- Ongoing efforts include synchronizing urban flood resilience policies and improving land acquisition processes for watershed management in the Jabodetabek-Punjur area to mitigate disaster risks.
Contact Information:
Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture
Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 3, Central Jakarta
Phone: (+62) 21 345 9444
General inquiries: roinfohumas@kemenkopmk.go.id
Correspondence: kearsipan@kemenkopmk.go.id
Reporter: Ustad Mangku Alam
Photography: Rendy Febrianto
