On Sunday, 28 June 2026, President Prabowo Subianto spoke at the closing ceremony of the Indonesian National Convention of Science, Technology, and Industry Convention 2026 in Jakarta. In his remarks, he highlighted the dual nature of nuclear technology, the rapid global race to develop artificial intelligence, and the emergence of autonomous AI agents. He urged academics and researchers to examine the societal implications of these developments.

The convention, which ran from 26 to 28 June, was themed "Strategy for Economic Independence and Welfare in Indonesia." It gathered scientists, technologists, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss Indonesia's future in science and technology. President Prabowo addressed the assembly at the Jakarta Convention Center, where he emphasized the importance of responsible innovation.

Prabowo said that nuclear technology can be a great help for humanity but also carries destructive potential that could threaten civilization. He noted that many countries are pursuing nuclear energy for power generation and national security, while also grappling with safety and proliferation risks.

Turning to artificial intelligence, the president remarked that almost every country is now pursuing AI to avoid being left behind. He cited warnings from AI developers that the technology could pose challenges for humanity in the future. "We must be vigilant," he said, according to the ANTARA report.

He also discussed the emergence of AI agents—systems that can act on behalf of individuals, groups, corporations, or even nations. According to the president, there are currently around five million AI agents that interact with one another through their own chat rooms using a coded language. "Reports indicate that there are now five million agents," he said, adding that the figure was derived three weeks ago.

The president called on professors, researchers, and intellectuals with relevant expertise to study the development of AI agents and their implications for humanity. He stressed that understanding the behavior of autonomous agents is essential for ensuring that AI technologies are used safely and ethically.

Indonesia has been working on a national AI regulation framework. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has announced that the regulation aims to boost productive use of technology while addressing safety and ethical concerns. The regulation is part of a broader national AI roadmap that was set to be implemented between 2026 and 2029.

The JICA partnership, announced earlier this year, aims to train Indonesian engineers and data scientists in advanced AI techniques. According to the Ministry of Education and Culture, the program will host workshops, exchange visits, and joint research projects with Japanese universities. The initiative is part of Indonesia's broader effort to strengthen its AI ecosystem and reduce dependence on foreign technology.

The president's remarks come at a time when Indonesia is expanding its AI talent partnership with Japan through a JICA project and when the country is finalizing its AI regulatory framework. The call for academic research aligns with the government's emphasis on building a skilled workforce and ensuring that AI development aligns with national priorities.

In summary, President Prabowo highlighted the benefits and risks of nuclear technology, the global race to develop AI, and the rapid growth of autonomous AI agents. He urged Indonesia's academic community to investigate the societal implications of these technologies. The government is moving forward with AI regulation and talent development initiatives, while monitoring the evolving landscape of AI agents and nuclear technology.