Young generation dominates digital users in Indonesia, says Communications Minister

Medan (ANTARA) - The Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutey Hafid, stated that the younger generation is the most dominant element in internet usage in Indonesia.

“Of the 230 million people using the internet, 60 per cent are from the younger generation,” Meutya Hafid said in Medan, North Sumatra, on Sunday.

Meutya noted that this figure has become a primary focus for the central government in improving the younger generation’s understanding of the digital world.

The Minister stated that young people are frequently targeted by criminals because they are perceived to lack sufficient digital comprehension.

“Digital literacy is vital for them, as 60 per cent of internet users are part of the younger generation,” she said.

Meutya explained that developments in digital technology bring numerous benefits, ranging from expanded access to information, education, and the economy, to social networking.

However, she noted that these benefits can transform into risks if the internet is not used wisely by the youth.

Furthermore, she remarked that the digital space is increasingly filled with content containing insults, hatred, slander, and misinformation due to the nature of digital platform algorithms, which promote controversial content to attract more attention.

“If not used wisely, the internet is a double-edged sword; it has many benefits but also many drawbacks,” she said.

Therefore, her department will strengthen internet literacy to prevent the younger generation from becoming targets of criminal activity.

She urged the youth to be proactive in rejecting all indications of digital crime by taking various steps, including reporting incidents to the authorities.

“Digital literacy is essential so that the public is not easily influenced by hoaxes or provocative narratives that are intentionally spread to mislead the public,” she concluded.