PORTALJABAR, DISTRICT. GARUT - The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) of the Republic of Indonesia held the "Making Digital Capability of the West Java Community Segment" activity in Garut Regency on Saturday (25/5/2024).

This event took place at the Art Center Building, Jalan Proklik, Tarogong Kidul District, with the theme "Don't be easily provoked in the era of information overload".

Several speakers attended the event, including Podcaster & Entrepreneur Rizki Adi Nugroho, Tutor and National Facilitator Aulia Putri Juniarto, Founder of Paberik Soeara Rakjat Tio Prasetyo Utomo, Director of PT. Cipta Human Indonesia Ismita Putri, Chairwoman of @ sobatcyber.id Virna Lim, and Head of the Garut Communication and Information Service (Diskominfo) Margiyanto. Virna Lim, and Head of the Garut Communication and Information Service (Diskominfo) Margiyanto.

The Indonesian Minister of Communication and Information, Budi Arie Setiadi, in his virtual message, emphasized the importance of increasing the ability to use the internet safely and productively, which has proven to be increasingly urgent amidst the rapid penetration of digital technology in everyday life.amid the rapid penetration of digital technology in everyday life.

"This condition must certainly change our collective awareness to continue to increase digital literacy in Indonesia, especially in 2023 Indonesia's digital literacy index will be at 3.65 on a scale of 5 or medium level," he said.

He added that this figure increased compared to the previous year which was 3.54 points.

Budi Arie also reminded that digital literacy not only has economic benefits such as increasing workforce competency and participation in digital economic activities, but also social and cultural benefits.

"Apart from economic aspects, social and cultural aspects such as helping individuals act wisely regarding the rapid pace of technology, so as to avoid the negative impacts that exist," he added.

Apart from economic aspects, social and cultural aspects such as helping individuals react wisely to the rapid pace of technology, so as to avoid negative impacts.

Head of the Garut Communication and Information Technology Department, Margiyanto, in his speech revealed that advances in information and communication technology (ICT) are like a double-edged sword. ICT brings a multitude of benefits, but can also be misused for negative purposes such as spreading hoaxes and hate speech.

Margiyanto emphasized the importance of being a wise consumer of information and not being easily provoked by information that is not necessarily true.

"Hate speech, words or actions aimed at offending or insulting, or degrading certain groups based on race, ethnicity, gender religion or other identities, hate speech can trigger discrimination, violence and national division," said Margiyanto.

According to him, digital culture is now increasingly pervasive in everyday life and presents its own dynamics. Therefore, a deep understanding is needed as a society living in the digital era.

On this occasion, Margiyanto expressed his highest appreciation to the event organizers, and hoped that what was discussed today could be the first step in building a healthy and civilized digital culture.

"I invite the younger generation to become agents of change who have a positive impact through social media and other digital technology," he said. (Diskominfo Garut/Fauziah)