Digital Literacy in the Government Sector Emphasized by Acting Minister of Communication and Informatics and Commander of Indonesian National Armed Forces

INTI- Jakarta, June 13, 2023 - The Acting Minister of Communication and Informatics, Mahmud MD, and the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Admiral Yudo Margono, have emphasized the importance of digital literacy in safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation. The statement was made during the launch of the Digital Literacy Program in the Government Sector for TNI soldiers, held at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

Minister Mahmud MD explained that the administration of President Joko Widodo has prioritized the development of human resources as one of the main visions of the Indonesian Maju Cabinet. Therefore, digital literacy is considered important for the entire society to contribute to safeguarding the nation's sovereignty.

"In the Vision of Indonesia speech on July 14, 2019, the President emphasized that the development of human resources would be one of the main visions of the second administration. And the Digital Literacy Program, Indonesia Makin Cakap Digital, launched on May 20, 2021, is a directive given to us by the President," said Minister Mahmud MD.

Minister Mahmud MD stated that digital literacy is crucial for TNI soldiers because the current digital era poses new threats to the nation's sovereignty. He emphasized that addressing digital threats is part of the TNI's duty to defend the country.

"Especially in carrying out national defense to maintain the nation's sovereignty, preserve the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia's territory, and ensure the safety of the entire nation from military threats," said Minister Mahmud MD.

Minister Mahmud MD outlined several threats that need to be addressed in the current digital era, such as cyber attacks including DDoS attacks, data theft, electronic system sabotage, and propaganda that pose a threat to national security.

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono also stated that the challenges of the digital world are growing and impacting the nation's life. He highlighted the emergence of negative content in society.

"Crimes in the digital space are also increasing, such as hoaxes, online fraud, online gambling, sexual exploitation of children, online prostitution, cyberbullying, and hate speech, which threaten national unity," he said.

TNI Commander Yudo Margono called on all TNI personnel throughout Indonesia to continue combating negative content and flood the digital space with positive content that promotes national unity. TNI soldiers are expected to have digital skills and create more educational and inspiring content.

The launch of the Digital Literacy Program in the Government Sector for TNI soldiers was attended by several officials, including the Territorial Assistant to the TNI Commander, Major General Mochamad Syafei; the Director-General of Application Informatics at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan; the Deputy VII for Coordination of Communication, Information, and Apparatus at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Air Marshal Arif Mustofa; the Special Staff for the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs in the Communication field, Rizal Mustary; and the Director of Information Empowerment at the Directorate-General of Application Informatics, Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Bonifasius Wahyu Pudjianto. ***Hans