This Is The Importance Of Digitalization And Literacy In The Digital Era Data War

Illustration - Various social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram provide unlimited information. (PHOTO: DOK.)

JAKARTA The colonial era has long passed, leaving memories of armed struggles. Now, in the digital era, new challenges arise in the form of a "data war" that demands mastery of digital technology and literacy.

PBNU chairman Hasanuddin Ali, in a statement at the East Java PWNU Office on November 8, 2024, emphasized that data had become the main weapon in the modern era. He emphasized the importance of understanding data not only as a number, but also as a source of insight that can speak about the condition of society.

"The power of data going forward is fardlu totaling. The data is a guide so that we don't get the wrong step," said Hasanuddin Ali, who is also an experienced researcher for 25 years (2000-2024).

In his data presentation, Hasanuddin Ali showed major changes to the demographics and lifestyle of the Indonesian people in the past decade. As many as 60 percent of Indonesians are now the digital, middle class and urban generation. In addition, 50-58 percent of society is affiliated with Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), reflecting the dominance of this group in the Indonesian social landscape.

"This change forced NU and Indonesia as a whole to adapt to a new approach that is more relevant, both in the fields of education, economy, and religion," he added.

Health, education, economic, and religious services must now be digital. Digitalization in service management is a must, both through e-government, e-catalog, and da'wah content which is produced and distributed professionally in cyberspace.

However, digitalization alone is not enough. Digital literacy is needed to equip people with critical abilities in dealing with digital traps such as hoaxes, online fraud, to radical narratives circulating on the internet.

Hasanuddin gave an example of the challenges of da'wah content designed by radical groups with good digital management. "When radical content enters the digital 'free market', it can look logical and attractive to the public, even though the contents are misleading," he explained.

He highlighted the importance of digital literacy in educating the public not to be trapped in narratives that clash with Islam with Pancasila or various other forms of data manipulation.

In the APEC forum for CEO Summit 2024 in Peru on November 14, President Prabowo Subianto also underlined the importance of digital collaboration to face challenges in the era of technology. "The power of technology, apart from bringing progress, can also destroy quickly. Therefore, collaboration, engagement, and communication are needed," said President Prabowo.

Digital collaboration that combines mastery of technology with digital literacy is the main solution to win the "data war" in this era. Through this approach, Indonesia is expected to be able to face the challenges of the digital world wisely, without losing its characteristics as a nation rich in culture and noble values.