AI Regulation in Indonesian Universities Remains Unclear, Raising Academic Ethics Concerns

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FORMOSA NEWS - Makassar - The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in Indonesian higher education is not yet matched by clear regulations. This is the key finding of a study conducted by Abriadi Muhara, Hasmawaty, Sitti Nurhidayah Ilyas, and Bonita Mahmud from Makassar State University, carried out between January and June 2025 and published in 2026. The study highlights growing risks to academic ethics if AI use is not properly governed.

The research examines the controversy surrounding AI regulation in Indonesian universities, focusing on its impact on academic integrity and governance in the digital era. The findings reveal a widening gap between rapid technological adoption and the readiness of regulatory frameworks.

AI Use Is Rapidly Expanding on Campus

AI technologies are now widely used in academic environments. Students and lecturers increasingly rely on AI-powered tools, including writing assistants, data analysis platforms, and adaptive learning systems.

The study found that:

  • Students use AI to complete assignments and access references more efficiently
  • Lecturers use AI to monitor student learning progress
  • Digital learning platforms are integrating AI-based analytics systems

According to Abriadi Muhara of Makassar State University, AI is no longer just a supporting tool but has become part of pedagogical innovation in higher education.

This shift enables more efficient, data-driven learning processes. However, it also raises concerns about the blurred line between legitimate assistance and academic misconduct.

Growth in AI Research and Innovation

Beyond teaching and learning, AI is also driving a surge in research and innovation across Indonesian universities. Many institutions are now actively developing projects in areas such as:

  • AI-based educational technology
  • learning analytics
  • intelligent tutoring systems

The study also notes a significant increase in:

  • academic seminars and workshops on AI
  • scientific publications related to AI
  • new courses and study programs focused on AI

This trend positions universities as key players in advancing technological innovation. Higher education institutions are not only adopting AI but also contributing to its development.

As emphasized by the researchers, this growth strengthens the role of universities as centers of knowledge production and digital transformation.

Lack of Clear National Regulations

Despite these advancements, one major issue remains: the absence of clear national regulations governing AI use in higher education.

The study reveals that:

  • No specific national guidelines exist for AI use in academic activities
  • Policies are mostly institutional and vary across universities
  • Existing regulations mainly address general plagiarism, not AI-specific issues

As a result, universities apply different approaches. Some allow AI use openly, while others impose restrictions.

This inconsistency creates uncertainty in areas such as:

  • student assessment
  • AI-assisted academic writing
  • ethical boundaries in technology use

The researchers warn that this regulatory gap may increase risks of academic misconduct, including AI-assisted plagiarism and reduced originality in scholarly work.

Ethical Dilemma: Innovation vs Integrity

AI presents a dual challenge. On one hand, it enhances efficiency and learning quality. On the other, it threatens core academic values such as honesty and originality.

The study highlights that without clear guidelines, the boundary between human-generated work and AI-generated content becomes increasingly unclear.

Abriadi Muhara stresses that AI is not merely a technological issue but also a matter of academic ethics and institutional governance.

“Without adaptive regulations, AI use may lead to a crisis of academic integrity,” he explains.

The Need for Adaptive Governance

To address these challenges, the study proposes the development of an adaptive governance framework. This approach emphasizes:

  • flexible and responsive policies
  • collaboration between universities and policymakers
  • strengthening digital literacy and ethical awareness

Regulation should not only restrict but also guide responsible AI use. Universities are encouraged to:

  • establish clear AI usage guidelines
  • integrate digital ethics into curricula
  • provide training for students and lecturers

With this approach, AI can be used effectively while preserving academic integrity.

Implications for Education and Policy

The findings carry important implications:

  • For education: promoting more adaptive, technology-driven learning models
  • For policymakers: providing a basis for national AI regulations in higher education
  • For academia: reinforcing the importance of ethics in the digital age

If left unaddressed, the gap between technological advancement and regulation may undermine the quality of higher education. Conversely, well-managed AI integration can become a key driver of educational innovation.

Author Profiles

Abriadi Muhara, M.Pd.
Lecturer and researcher at Makassar State University, specializing in educational technology and digital governance.

Hasmawaty, M.Pd.
Academic focusing on technology integration in education.

Sitti Nurhidayah Ilyas, M.Pd.
Researcher with expertise in academic ethics and digital transformation.

Bonita Mahmud, M.Pd.
Specializes in instructional innovation and technology-based curriculum development.

Source

Muhara, A., Hasmawaty, H., Ilyas, S. N., & Mahmud, B. (2026). The Controversy Surrounding Artificial Intelligence Regulation in Higher Education in Indonesia. Asian Journal of Applied Education (AJAE), Vol. 5 No. 2, 291–308.

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