Education is not just changing the contents of the head, but lighting the light in the soul.

AS ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) reshapes our world, education stands at a crossroads. Once envisioned as a tool to support learning, AI is now on the verge of redefining — and potentially eroding — the very foundations of human education. Books are being harvested for data, teachers are being sidelined, and students rely more on algorithms than reflection. The question looms: are we still educating people, or are we letting machines take over the role of education itself?

AI, particularly generative models like ChatGPT and Gemini, now dominate the academic habits of students. From writing essays to summarizing texts and solving problems, these tools offer instant assistance. But this convenience comes with a cost. When students rely on machines to answer questions, they bypass the essential process of learning — the struggles, discussions, and critical thinking that develop understanding and character.

One stark example lies in how AI models are trained. According to reports, millions of books — including copyrighted ones — have been used without permission to feed these algorithms. These texts, once seen as vessels of wisdom and cultural memory, are now mere data points in statistical models. This shift not only undermines intellectual property rights but also reduces books to soulless inputs for machines.

This mechanization of knowledge mirrors the erosion of educational depth. A 2024 study by Times Higher Education found that over 60% of university students in Southeast Asia had used AI tools to complete academic work. In Indonesia, internal campus surveys show that more than 40% of students used ChatGPT to write papers without approval. The 2023 UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report warns that unchecked tech use in classrooms erodes critical thinking and worsens learning inequality.

Indeed, Indonesia’s reading literacy remains low. In the 2022 PISA rankings, the country placed 71st out of 81 nations. Only 1 in 1,000 Indonesians are regular book readers, according to the National Library. This situation is exacerbated by the rise of AI: when knowledge is just a click away, students skip the reflective depth that comes from reading or engaging with teachers. They chase answers, not understanding.

Meanwhile, national education policy struggles to keep pace. The Merdeka Curriculum introduced by the Ministry of Education encourages creative, project-based learning. However, it lacks sufficient emphasis on ethical digital literacy, especially concerning AI. There are no national modules that teach how AI works, its risks, or how to use it responsibly. This leaves students vulnerable to misinformation and teachers without guidance.

Legally, the education system has yet to acknowledge AI’s presence. Indonesia’s education laws, including the current revisions to the National Education System Act, make no mention of AI. There are no ethical frameworks or usage guidelines, leaving schools to navigate this new frontier blindly. As a result, AI is often misused — even trusted more than textbooks or teachers, despite being prone to errors or ethical blind spots.

The danger here is not just academic. It threatens Indonesia’s 2045 vision of becoming a prosperous, developed nation powered by a young, productive population. If the youth of today become passive tech users without critical thinking, moral awareness, or creativity, the so-called “demographic bonus” could turn into a demographic liability.

Teachers and books are more than content providers. They shape values, ignite imagination, and nurture empathy — things AI cannot replicate. Without them, education risks becoming mechanical, sterile, and stripped of humanity.

Thus, a shift is needed. First, digital and AI ethics must be integrated into the national curriculum. Second, educational regulations must address AI use, safeguard intellectual property, and support teachers as ethical guides. Third, reading culture must be revived — in schools, families, and communities — to keep the spirit of learning alive.

Education is not about filling minds with data but shaping humans with wisdom. Technology must serve that mission, not replace it. A future without teachers and books is not progress — it is the unraveling of civilization itself.

* Payamta, Observer of Social and Economic Issues, University of Sebelas Maret (UNS), Surakarta