Yogyakarta, June 15, 2025 — As digital technology becomes a bigger part of daily life, people need more than just basic technical skills. Various risks, including digital fraud, the spread of hoaxes, personal data theft, and account hacking, demonstrate that communities need more comprehensive capacities to participate safely and responsibly in the digital space.
These issues became the focus of PROLINER #12, titled “Becoming a Digital Literacy Agent in the Community,” organized by the Center for Digital Society (CfDS) in collaboration with the Directorate of Community Service (DPKM), Universitas Gadjah Mada. Held via Zoom, the event featured the CfDS UGM Research Team, who equipped participants with knowledge of digital literacy, digital security, social media ethics, and community-based educational strategies.
In the opening session, participants were encouraged to understand that digital literacy is not limited to the ability to operate digital devices or applications. Digital literacy also encompasses critical thinking when accessing information, ethical awareness when interacting in digital spaces, and social responsibility in the use of technology. In this context, the PROLINER program positions digital literacy as an important foundation for increasing public awareness of technological developments while strengthening resilience against various digital risks.
The discussion also highlighted the four main pillars of digital literacy in Indonesia: digital skills, digital ethics, digital safety, and digital culture. These four aspects are viewed as complementary elements in shaping a society that is not only capable of using technology but also understands the social and security implications that accompany it. As the digital ecosystem continues to evolve, the scope of literacy has also expanded to include the ability to manage digital identities, media literacy, information literacy, and the skills needed to utilize technology as a tool for learning.
The following session focused on the challenges and threats emerging in the digital environment. Digital fraud, privacy violations, the spread of disinformation, hate speech, and low awareness of digital ethics remain some of the issues faced by Indonesian society. In this context, participants were encouraged to recognize the diversity of conditions within communities. While some individuals have achieved a relatively high level of digital literacy, others still face limitations in both access and understanding. These differences require educational approaches that are more contextual and tailored to the needs of each community.
Digital security was one of the main topics that received special attention. The speakers explained that increasing digital connectivity has been accompanied by an increasingly diverse range of cybercrimes. From phishing, identity theft, and account hacking to illegal online lending schemes, many forms of digital crime exploit the public’s limited awareness of information security. Therefore, education on personal data protection was identified as an important step in reducing public vulnerability to these risks.
In addition to understanding threats, participants were introduced to various strategies for protecting themselves in digital spaces. These included using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, managing privacy settings, and developing the habit of checking website security before sharing personal information. Awareness of the importance of personal data protection has become even more relevant following the enactment of Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection Law, which affirms that personal data is an individual right that must be safeguarded and protected.
Beyond security issues, PROLINER #12 also highlighted the importance of ethics in social media use. Amid the rapid flow of information and the high level of public activity on digital platforms, the ability to communicate responsibly has become increasingly crucial. Social media undoubtedly provides opportunities for self-expression, relationship-building, and access to information. At the same time, however, it can also serve as a medium for spreading misinformation, hate speech, and privacy violations when used irresponsibly. Participants were invited to reflect on the various motivations that encourage people to share information on social media, ranging from the need to be heard to the desire to remain connected with their social circles. In such circumstances, ethical principles such as thinking before posting, respecting the privacy of others, avoiding hate speech, and maintaining appropriate visual ethics become essential practices in everyday life.
In the closing session, the speakers discussed strategies for delivering digital literacy education to communities. The approach emphasized the importance of understanding community characteristics before designing educational programs. This process begins with mapping community conditions, identifying needs, designing appropriate programs, conducting outreach activities, and evaluating the resulting impact. Within this approach, students and facilitators were encouraged to act as learning partners who foster two-way communication rather than merely serving as providers of information.
PROLINER #12 demonstrated that digital challenges cannot be addressed solely through the provision of technology. Strengthening community capacity through digital literacy is equally important to ensure that digital transformation is inclusive and sustainable. As Indonesia’s digital ecosystem becomes increasingly complex, the ability to think critically, protect oneself online, and interact ethically in digital spaces constitutes essential capital for building resilient and empowered communities.
Through the PROLINER program, the Center for Digital Society (CfDS) continues to encourage the emergence of digital literacy agents who can bridge community needs with technological developments. This effort forms part of CfDS’s commitment to fostering a digital environment that is not only connected, but also safe, inclusive, and responsible for all citizens.
Author: Azzallea Ega Riesta Christsanda
Editor: Eka Nur Raharja