Jakarta. The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Indonesia’s mining industry is increasingly seen as essential for boosting operational efficiency and reducing costs, but experts say the country still faces significant challenges in fully embracing smart mining due to inadequate digital infrastructure.

The issue was a central topic of discussion at the Energy and Mineral Festival in Jakarta on Wednesday, co-hosted by the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry and B-Universe Media Holdings.

“AI is no longer just a support tool -- it has become like a new employee in mining operations,” said Meidy Katrin Lengkey, Secretary General of the Indonesian Nickel Miners Association (APNI). “When commodity prices drop, companies must cut costs. AI and digital tools like ChatGPT help analyze data and compile information to support decision-making.”

Meidy noted that an increasing number of mining companies now use AI to identify new sites, assess geological potential, and project production timelines and costs. These systems are often integrated with central offices located in major urban centers such as Jakarta.

“Centralized control can no longer rely solely on site visits. AI is especially vital for remote locations. Some companies even use ChatGPT to generate preliminary input before internal teams make final decisions,” she said.

However, Meidy acknowledged that poor telecommunications infrastructure in Indonesia’s remote mining areas remains a major barrier to implementing smart mining at scale.

“The main challenge is connectivity. In many remote areas, networks are unstable or nonexistent. That’s the biggest obstacle to deploying smart mining technologies,” she added.

To address the issue, APNI is urging the government to invest in robust ICT infrastructure in mining regions, which are typically located far from major cities.

Speaking at the same forum, Siti Sumilah Rita Susilawati, Secretary of the Directorate General of Minerals and Coal at the Energy Ministry, underlined that embracing technological advancement is no longer optional but a necessity for the industry.

“Energy transformation has evolved over centuries -- from firewood to coal, and now to renewables. That same evolution is pushing the mining sector to transform how it operates,” she said.

In the past, mining was highly labor-intensive and dangerous, with workers descending into underground tunnels. Today, AI enables remote operations, allowing technicians to manage mining activities from air-conditioned control rooms on the surface -- far from safety hazards.

According to Rita, several large mining companies in Indonesia are already leveraging AI and big data to enhance productivity and safety, while the government continues to promote digital transformation across the sector.

Indonesia is home to around 4,000 mining sites, of which approximately 10 percent are operated by major companies with strong financial capacity and technological capabilities.

“When we talk about smart mining, it's not just about working harder -- it’s about working smarter. We may not be fully advanced yet, but we’re moving in that direction,” she said.