|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In the midst of the complex digital landscape characterised by misinformation and disinformation, Indonesia successfully conducted the 2024 Simultaneous General Elections, maintaining unity among its citizens and ensuring a peaceful electoral process. At the forefront of this achievement was the collaborative effort of all stakeholders in safeguarding the digital space, a feat recognised during the award ceremony for the “Special Award: Outstanding Leadership Preserving Indonesia’s Digital on Election”.
Deputy Minister of Communication and Information, Nezar Patria, representing Minister Budi Arie Setiadi, lauded the collective endeavour that contributed to the smooth conduct of the elections. During his speech at the ceremony, Patria emphasised the pivotal role of collaboration in preserving the digital sphere amidst evolving challenges. He underscored the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a healthier and more peaceful digital environment for all citizens, acknowledging the increasing connectivity and accessibility of the internet across Indonesia.
Patria shed light on the Ministry’s efforts to navigate the digital landscape, where the constant production and dissemination of data and information pose significant challenges. He cited statistics showcasing the staggering volume of digital content generated every minute, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring and management of the digital space to combat misinformation effectively. Despite the Ministry’s dedication to this task, Patria acknowledged the inherent complexities in balancing national interests with civil liberties and freedom of speech.
Moreover, Patria stresses the importance of engaging various stakeholders in maintaining the national digital space. He commended media platforms for their active participation in combating misinformation and disinformation, underscoring the critical role of digital literacy initiatives in empowering citizens to discern reliable information from falsehoods. Patria’s address resonated with the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote media literacy and responsible digital citizenship among the Indonesian populace.
While Minister Setiadi could not attend the ceremony in person, his commitment to upholding digital integrity during elections remained unwavering. In a statement, Setiadi expressed gratitude for the award, viewing it as a testament to the Ministry’s dedication to safeguarding the digital sphere. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring a safe and peaceful digital environment during future elections, highlighting the importance of collective efforts from all segments of society.
Indonesia is actively seeking to nurture its burgeoning social media sector, aware of its potential as a driver of economic growth and innovation. However, amid rapid expansion, the nation is also prioritising efforts to safeguard the digital space, implementing measures to combat misinformation and ensure the responsible use of social media platforms for the benefit of its citizens.
OpenGov Asia reported that in Indonesia, digital technology, social media, and artificial intelligence have revolutionised the media landscape, empowering outlets to gather and analyse data more effectively and deliver tailored news content. Minister Budi Arie Setiadi urged the press to embrace innovation amidst rapid changes, underscoring the potential of digitalisation to create diverse and engaging content for readers.
The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) wants to foster transparency in the media’s use of AI, led by Mediodecci Lustarini, Head of Legal Affairs at Kominfo’s Directorate General of Information and Public Communication.
Looking ahead, Setiadi pledged to continue the Ministry’s initiatives aimed at protecting the digital space, particularly as Indonesia prepares for upcoming regional elections. He called for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to maintain peace and stability in the digital sphere, accepting the indispensable role of digital technologies in facilitating democratic processes.
The award ceremony, attended by prominent figures including Attorney General ST Burhanuddin, served as a platform to appreciate the Ministry’s leadership in preserving Indonesia’s digital integrity during the 2024 elections. Setiadi’s receipt of the award symbolised the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to navigating the digital landscape responsibly, ensuring the integrity and security of democratic processes in Indonesia.
