by Amril Taufik Gobel

Vice President Procurement EPC & Investment SCM Division, PT.NINDYA KARYA & Members of the Communication & Awarding Agency for the Central Management of PII 2024-2027

The development of artificial intelligence technology (AI) has brought significant changes in various sectors, including engineering and engineering.

Engineers as the spearhead of technology innovation in Indonesia face a complex new challenge in carrying out their profession. In the midst of increasingly fierce global competition, the professional ethics of the engineer is a very important aspect to ensure that technology is developing responsibly and sustainably.

In the Indonesian context, the engineer profession is not only required to have superior technical competencies, but must also be able to implement ethical principles in every aspect of his work. Professional Ethics of Engineers is a moral and norm guide that regulates engineers' behavior in developing, implementing, and supervising technology, including AI, so as not to harm the community and the environment.

According to data from the Ministry of Research and Technology/National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in 2023, AI penetration in various industrial sectors in Indonesia increased by 25% compared to the previous year, especially in the manufacturing, agriculture and financial services sectors.

This shows that Indonesian engineers are increasingly playing a role in integrating AI technology in practical solutions. However, this increase also raises new ethical challenges, such as data privacy issues, system security, to bias algorithms that can strengthen social injustice.

Professional Ethics of Engineers In the AI ​​era must prioritize transparency and accountability. Engineers must ensure that the algorithm developed can be accounted for and does not cause discrimination against certain groups. In addition, engineers also have the responsibility to protect the user's personal data from potential abuse that can harm individuals and communities.

In dealing with global competition, Indonesian engineers need to understand the applicable international ethical standards, as stipulated in the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) Code of Ethics and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Adaptation and integration of these standards with local values ​​is the key to maintaining the reputation of the Indonesian engineer profession in the global arena. It is also important to open up international cooperation opportunities and increase the competitiveness of Indonesian human resources.

The role of professional organizations such as the Indonesian Engineers Association (PII) is very crucial in fostering and overseeing the application of professional ethics. PII actively organizes training, seminars and certifications that emphasize the importance of ethics in the development of AI

In addition, the Indonesian government also seeks to regulate the use of AI through regulations that prioritize ethical and security principles. An example is the draft government regulation on the use of AI technology that is being discussed in 2024, which includes aspects of data protection, developer responsibilities, and supervision of AI technology in the public and private sectors.

Descriptively, the professional ethics of engineers in the AI ​​era can be described as a pillar that sustains technological advances while ensuring social and environmental sustainability.

Engineers must be able to balance innovation and compliance with human values. For example, in the Smart City development project, engineers not only designed an intelligent system for efficiency and comfort, but also considering social impacts such as accessibility and protection of citizens' rights.

In addition, professional ethics demands engineers to play an active role in public education about AI technology. Thus, people can better understand the benefits and risks of AI, thus minimizing unfounded fear and resistance to new technology.

Transparency in the development of AI: engineer must open information related to the workings and objectives of the AI ​​system developed.

Data Security: Maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of user data from the threat of leakage and abuse.

Anti-Discrimination: Avoiding bias algorithms that can cause social injustice.

Accountability : Responsible for the impact of the technology produced, including social and environmental consequences.

Sustainable Development : Ensuring technological innovation supports environmental sustainability and community welfare.

In the face of global competition, ethical Indonesian engineers will become valuable assets for the nation. They not only act as technocrats, but also as moral guardians who direct technology towards positive and fair goals. Thus, Indonesia can strengthen its position as a country that is not only advanced technologically, but also socially responsible.

In conclusion, the role of the ethics of the Indonesian engineer profession in the AI ​​era and global competition is very strategic and cannot be ignored. Ethics becomes the foundation so that the technology developed can provide maximum benefits for the wider community and does not cause negative impacts. Through collaboration between engineers, professional organizations, government, and society, Indonesia can face global challenges while still upholding noble ethical values.