Philosophical and Theological Implications of Artificial Intelligence Developments in Political Communication: Indonesia’s Experience

Abstract

This study examines the philosophical and theological implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in political communication within Indonesia’s diverse religious and socio-political context. The 2024 presidential election marked a significant shift, as generative AI tools such as avatars and targeted messaging influenced campaign strategies. The purpose is to explore how AI challenges traditional concepts of human agency, authenticity, and moral responsibility in political discourse. This study employs a qualitative systematic lite­ra­ture review, drawing from the interdisciplinary sources on AI, ethics, and commu­nication. A case analysis of Indonesia’s 2024 election was performed to contextualize these issues. The frameworks from communicative AI theory and theological ethics are applied to deepen the analysis. Results highlight tensions between rapid technological innovation and Indonesia’s religious-ethical values. These tensions reveal the need for nuanced policies that uphold democratic integrity and respect pluralistic beliefs. The study con­cludes that collaboration among technologists, policymakers, and religious leaders is essential to address AI’s impact on political legitimacy. This work contributes to inte­grating communicative AI theory with theological ethics and philosophy, offering guidance for pluralistic societies managing AI-driven political communication.