Empowering Indonesia’s Next Generation: Inside AYC’s Vision for Indonesia’s Youth | An Interview with Nazela Allia Rezeki

Education systems are struggling to keep up with the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence — and for many young Indonesians, causing a widening gap in access and understanding of this new form of technology. According to the Association for Youth Inclusive and Interdisciplinary AI (AYC)’s Chairperson Nazela Allia Rezeki, this is what sparked the organisation’s founding vision.

“I saw a massive gap: AI is evolving extremely fast, but many Indonesian youth still don’t have access, literacy, or even a safe space to learn about it,” Rezeki explained. “The issue isn’t capability — it’s the lack of platforms.”

Thus AYC was built to shorten this divide. Its mission: to make AI literacy available, moral, and appropriate across different sectors. From education and culture to legislative works and creative industries, they want to ensure that this technology is used right. The Chairperson describes this as ensuring that “AI becomes understandable, ethical, and accessible, especially for young people who often get left behind in the digital transition.”

However, one of the key aspects of their work is their emphasis on collaboration. They thrive partnering with educational institutions, government agencies, and stakeholders to create significant programs grounded in real-world impact. “Collaborations allow us to expand reach, build credibility, and connect AI education to real-world impact,” Rezeki stated, noting that this approach transforms AYC from a community into a platform for national and regional youth engagement.

Through their numerous programs, AYC insighted that young Indonesians are far more ready for the introduction of AI than expected — they simply just lacked access. Rezeki shared, “Youth are extremely eager to understand AI.” Adding on that “High school students, especially, absorb AI concepts faster than expected.”

The organisation believes AI literacy is essential for Indonesia Emas 2045, the nation’s long-term development vision. AI-literate youth can support innovation, improve digital infrastructure, reduce inequality, and strengthen global competitiveness. “AI literacy is not optional for 2045 — it is essential,” the Chairperson stated.

AYC believes that AI literacy is actually essential for Indonesia Emas 2045, the nation’s long-term development vision. The youth comprehending AI use can support innovation, improve digital systems, reduce inequality, and strengthen global competitiveness. “AI literacy is not optional for 2045 — it is essential.”

Foreseeing ahead, the organization expects to expand their ambitions with projects like an AI Youth Fellowship, publishing annual Responsible AI White Papers from a Global South perspective, and the creation of an ASEAN Youth AI Network. Their efforts intend to place young Indonesians not only as AI users, but use it to become future innovators, lawmakers, and ethical thinkers.