From Technical Aid to Research Partner: The Adoption of Generative AI by Indonesian Lecturers

Abstract

This study investigates the adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) technologies in academic writing and publication among history education lecturers in Indonesia. Using a case study approach, data were collected from 50 lecturers across Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Bali through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings reveal that ChatGPT, Grammarly, Google Translate, Gemini, Quillbot, and Turnitin are the most frequently used GenAI tools, with adoption driven by their simplicity, efficiency, and ability to support multiple stages of research writing. Five primary objectives are identified, i.e., idea generation and research design, literature synthesis, data analysis, content editing and proofreading, and preparation for publication and dissemination. Despite these benefits, lecturers face four significant challenges, i.e., maintaining academic integrity, uneven digital literacy, over-reliance on GenAI, and issues of data validity and accuracy. The study highlights both the opportunities and challenges of integrating GenAI in academic practices, emphasizing the need for ethical clarity, institutional support, and capacity-building programs. Findings contribute to the broader discourse on technology adoption in higher education, offering insights for policymakers, educators, and journal publishers seeking to balance innovation with academic rigor.