The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is like a double-edged sword in the realm of the press. On National Press Day 2025, Dr. Guruh Fajar Shidik, S.Kom., M.Cs., the Vice Rector of General, Financial, and Human Resources Affairs at Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (Udinus), highlighted how AI developed over the years and its impact on the journalism industry.

During a seminar held at the auditorium of Unimus, Dr. Guruh Fajar Shidik, S.Kom., M.Cs., encouraged the participants to pay attention to the development of AI. According to him, the topic of AI has been a major discussion since 1950, when Alan Turing published his paper entitled ‘Machinery and Intelligence.’ 

“At that time, AI was but an idea. However, over time, this specific technology gradually develops with various challenges, encompassing limited computation, and the emergence of machine learning, as well as deep learning,” Guruh uttered at the seminar.

According to him, AI has become a part of everyday life, including in the press sector. Dr. Guruh showed an example of how media giants in the United States, like The Washington Post had implemented AI. The technology is used to write news quickly through a system named Holograph. 

However, he emphasized that AI still had certain limitations, particularly in conducting a journalistic investigation. Dr. Guruh continued that AI could indeed write an article in seconds, but it lacks one important thing: the deep intuition and analysis possessed by a journalist.

“I showed them the example using The Panama Papers case. AI cannot find any investigative findings like regular journalists could. This shows that AI is merely an assistant, not a replacement,” he emphasized.

Wisely Using AI

Additionally, Guruh explained that AI had its own merits when it came to proofreading, translating, and data analyzing. However, Guruh stated that AI must be used responsibly as it is not fully reliable without human supervision.

“We must use AI wisely. This technology has been efficient in assisting our professionalism at work, but it still needs human supervision and control. Basic insight and journalistic intuition are not replaceable by AI, as AI can only learn from the data we provide,” he added.

Guruh also highlighted the big transformation in media, where press companies transitioned from printed forms to digital forms. This shows that the press industry must innovate and adapt to technological advancements.

“Printed media like the Washington Post and New York Times have shifted their focuses on digital platforms to stay relevant. This shows that the press industry must innovate and adapt to the technological advancements,” he revealed.

Concluding his statement, Guruh hoped journalists could prioritize their ethics and professionalism in facing the era of AI. AI can indeed help us to work more efficiently, but it is up to the journalists themselves to determine the quality and accuracy of a news article.

“Do not ditch the fundamental values in the realm of journalism. Every age has its own technology, and every technology is made for their respective ages,” he concluded.

As additional information, Dr. Guruh served as a speaker on behalf of Prof. Dr. Pulung Nurtantio Andono, S.T., M.Kom., the Rector of Udinus, at an event entitled ‘The Dialog of Five Rectors.’ It was an event held to commemorate the National Press Day and the Anniversary of the Indonesian Reporter Association of Central Java. The theme of the event was ‘The Future of Press in the AI Era.’ (Humas Udinus/Alex. Foto: Dok. Dialog Lima Rektor)