Digital Technology Must Strengthen Nationalism, Not Just Viral Unproductive Content

JAKARTA - Scholar and national activist Prof. Yudi Latif emphasized the importance of using digital technology to strengthen nationalistic values and encourage public participation in development. According to him, the digital space should not only be a place to viralize content that is less productive, but also a means of strengthening the national agenda.

Yudi made the statement when he was a speaker in a discussion entitled "Strengthening National Nationalism and Preparing a Generation of Leaders to Support National Food Self-sufficiency in the Face of Global Economic Uncertainty" which was held in conjunction with the launch of the Vardhana Nawasena Network (VNN) Foundation at the GranDhika Iskandarsyah Hotel, Jakarta, Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Yudi assessed that Indonesia has a large capital in the form of high community activity in the digital world. However, this potential has not been fully directed to generate a positive impact on the nation's progress.

"The potential to change is actually there. What is missing is the initiative to unite. Indonesian netizens are very strong. The question is, this energy is often used to viralize things that are less productive. In fact, digital technology can be used for much more positive purposes," said Yudi.

According to him, technological developments have changed the way people build public opinion. If during the independence struggle, newspapers became the main medium for disseminating national ideas, now this function can be carried out through various digital platforms.

"If the founding fathers used newspapers as a tool for struggle, now the times have changed. Digital technology must be able to be used to strengthen the national agenda," he said.

In addition to discussing the role of digital technology, Yudi also highlighted the importance of human resource development (HRD) in Papua. He assessed that the Papuan people have great potential that needs to be supported through equitable access to education, learning opportunities, and affirmative policies so that they can develop optimally.

During the forum, a number of strategic issues were discussed, ranging from national food security, human resource development, to the preparation of a generation of leaders in the midst of global economic uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Vardhana Nawasena Network Foundation, Martin Aprildo, said his organization would focus on various strategic programs, such as policy research, public discussion forums, documentary film production, and empowerment of the younger generation.

"We want to present complete information to the public. Not only seeing a problem from one side, but presenting various perspectives so that the public can get a more complete picture," said Martin.

He explained that the documentary film WANAM which was shown in the activity aimed to present an alternative perspective on the developing condition of Papua in the public space.

In the future, the Vardhana Nawasena Network Foundation plans to raise various strategic national issues, including food security, energy, regional development, and human capital development. The organization will also hold discussions in various regions involving the government, academics, students, and observers to collect input in formulating public policies.

Keywords: Yudi Latif, digital technology, nationalism, national nationalism, digital space, Indonesian netizens, national food security, Papua human capital development, Vardhana Nawasena Network Foundation, national food self-sufficiency.