The Seri Bincang Sejarah (History Discussion Series), organized by the Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Indonesia (FIB UI) through the History Study Program on April 28, 2026, returned with the theme “Friend or Foe? The Dilemma of Artificial Intelligence in Historical Research.” The discussion, held online via Zoom, highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of using artificial intelligence (AI) in historical research practices.
The event began solemnly with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, Indonesia Raya, followed by an opening speech from Dr. Didik Pradjoko, S.S., M.Hum., Head of the Department of History at FIB UI. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of awareness regarding subjectivity in the use of AI. According to him, technology is never entirely neutral; therefore, its application in historical research must always be approached with methodological and ethical scrutiny.
The moderator, Amanda Lathifah Laksmana Putri, S.Hum., M.Hum., then introduced the two main speakers: Ari Nugraha, S.Hum., M.T.I., Ph.D., an information technology expert, and Yudi Bachrioktora, S.S., M.A., a historian who served as the discussion initiator.
In his presentation, Yudi Bachrioktora, S.S., M.A. highlighted the role of AI as a technical tool that can accelerate historical research processes. He provided examples such as using AI to translate Dutch-language archival materials and to efficiently summarize documents. However, he also raised concerns about potential risks, including the degradation of critical thinking skills, the weakening of knowledge authority, and issues related to academic ethics.
Meanwhile, Ari Nugraha, S.Hum., M.T.I., Ph.D. offered a more technical perspective by referring to AI as “imitative intelligence.” He explained that AI systems do not truly “understand” but instead mimic patterns based on available data. In his presentation, Ari introduced the concept of Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) as a way to minimize AI errors or “hallucinations,” as well as the concept of agentic AI, which enables systems to handle more complex research workflows.
Nevertheless, Ari stressed that the role of humans remains irreplaceable. Historians must continue to serve as the primary verifiers and interpreters, while AI should function only as a supporting tool in the research process.
The question-and-answer session was dynamic, with participants raising various critical issues. Among them was the relevance of classical historical methods, such as those proposed by Louis Gottschalk, in the context of AI usage. Copyright ethics also became a key topic, particularly regarding works generated with AI assistance, such as novels or books. Another issue discussed was how Universitas Indonesia is adapting to the use of AI in students’ final projects.
The event concluded with closing remarks from the speakers, who reiterated the importance of maintaining a critical and ethical stance in utilizing AI. The symbolic handover of certificates by Dr. Dedi Prajoko, S.S., M.Hum. marked the end of the event.
Through this discussion, the Seri Bincang Sejarah at FIB UI not only provided an academic forum but also opened a space for reflection on the role of AI in historical research; not merely as a friend or foe, but as a tool that requires wisdom in its use. (LS)
