Public urged to be selective in utilising technology

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Menkomdigi), Meutya Hafid, has urged the public to be selective in utilising technology, particularly in supporting productive activities in pesantren environments and the agricultural sector.

“Not all technology needs to be adopted wholesale, but it is necessary to consider the benefits as well as the potential impacts,” she stated in a press release received and confirmed in Jakarta on Saturday.

The Minister made these remarks at the Digitalisation Forum for Cooperatives to Enhance Farmers’ Welfare and Strengthen National Food Security at the Al Ittifaq Pesantren Cooperative in Bandung Regency, West Java, on Saturday.

In addition, Meutya emphasised the importance of child protection in the digital space.

She conveyed that the government has established policies to restrict social media access for children under 16 years old.

“Currently, the government prohibits children under 16 years old from accessing social media,” said Meutya.

She invited students, particularly vocational high school pupils, to play a role as digital literacy agents by providing education to their surrounding communities.

According to Meutya, such steps are crucial to minimise the negative impacts of technology while ensuring that the younger generation can utilise technology in a healthy and productive manner.

“It is hoped that students can become ambassadors who remind their younger siblings to stay away from social media before the age of 16, as well as to limit gaming,” she stated.