PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The West Java Digital Literacy and Digital Behavior Index in 2024 increased from the previous year. Based on the IDM Tech survey and measurement conducted for three weeks in 2024, the West Java Digital Literacy Index increased from 3.43 in 2023 to 3.73 in 2024.

Measurements using 31 instruments based on the standards of the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information.

This was raised in the talk show "Release of the Results of the West Java Digital Literacy and Behavior Index and Fact Checking Training" at the Arya Duta Hotel, Bandung City, Thursday (10/31/2024). This event is part of the 2024 Digital Literacy Festival (Viral).

"However, if the measurement is added using 61 instruments, the increase is from 3.43 in 2023 to 3.49 in 2024," said Gilang Mahesa, Founder of IDM Tech, a resource person for the talk show.

According to Gilang, the addition of measurement instruments is necessary because using the standard instruments from the Ministry of Communication and Information does not include several instruments currently available in the field.

"Such as gambling and online loans, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and several other instruments, which are needed as additional instruments for measuring the index because they are related to digitalization," he added.

According to Gilang, if using additional measuring instruments related to the current conditions of digital society, the increase index value is still relatively small.

"But the good news is that there is still an increase because increasing the digital literacy index is quite difficult even though the value is only zero point," he said.

Gilang explained that several factors driving the increase in the digital literacy index include government intervention through its policies.

"In addition to government and private intervention by expanding internet coverage, the COVID-19 disaster has also triggered an increase in digitalization. Then the adaptation pattern tends to be easier towards digitalization from several generations," he explained.

Head of the Public Information and Communication (IKP) Division of the West Java Communication and Information Service, Viky Edya Martina, said that the talk show activity aims to examine the results of the Digital Literacy and Behavior Index in West Java.

"This is needed as material to take strategic steps forward appropriately in improving the quality of digital literacy in West Java," said Viky.

In relation to the Fact Checking Training, Viky hopes that the public can be wiser in accepting any information available so that they are not easily trapped by hoaxes.

He said that the number of digital media users in West Java is relatively high, and there is also a high risk of disinformation, misinformation, and hoaxes that damage public communication in society.

"Literate attitudes and behaviors need to color every digital media conversation. Security and ethics must be the guidelines in digital communication on any communication media," he concluded.

The talk show "Release of the Results of the West Java Digital Literacy and Behavior Index and Fact Checking Training" was attended by dozens of students from several universities, as well as members of Saber Hoaks from districts/cities in West Java.