Indonesia’s Deputy Minister: Agentic AI in Finance Needs Safety Rules

**JAKARTA** — Indonesia’s Deputy Communications and Digital Minister, Nezar Patria, has called for stronger safeguards as "agentic AI" becomes more common in the financial sector. Agentic AI refers to advanced software that can make decisions and take actions on its own, without direct human instructions. While this technology can make banking and investment faster, it also carries new risks. "The need for stronger governance is urgent," Patria said. He warned that these self-operating systems could act in ways that are hard to predict, potentially harming consumers or destabilizing markets. The deputy minister’s comments come as global banks and fintech firms begin testing these systems for tasks like fraud detection and customer service. Without clear rules, he argued, a single error could spread quickly across the financial system. Patria did not specify which regulations Indonesia plans to introduce. However, he emphasized that any framework must balance innovation with consumer protection. He also urged industry leaders to work with regulators to set ethical standards before the technology becomes widespread. The statement aligns with a broader push in Southeast Asia to manage AI growth. Regional governments are increasingly focusing on accountability, especially in sectors that handle public money.