MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid encouraged Muhammadiyah to take a more active role in improving digital literacy across the country, especially through its vast educational network.
Meutya emphasized the important role Muhammadiyah could play in raising digital awareness, especially among children and young people.
“Muhammadiyah has an extraordinary number of early childhood education institutions. Education and awareness must start from there, to help protect our children in the digital world,” said Meutya in her visit to Muhammadiyah on Saturday, June 28.
Meutya explained that as digital technology becomes more deeply embedded in everyday life, there is a growing need to help the public, especially young people, understand how to use it wisely and safely. She added that the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has many responsibilities, and partnerships with organizations like Muhammadiyah could help share the load.
President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir responded positively to the call. He said digital literacy has become an urgent issue in today’s technology-driven world.
“The digital world crosses national borders. While internet usage in Indonesia is high, our digital literacy is still low. We need to build a new kind of awareness that includes not only technology, but also values, ethics, and cultural identity,” said Haedar.
Haedar also emphasized that digital regulations introduced by the government should not be seen as limiting freedom, but rather as necessary boundaries to prevent harm. Without awareness and self-control, people can easily become victims of digital misuse, including identity theft and online fraud.
Haedar also shared Muhammadiyah plans to contribute further. He mentioned that the organization is targeting nine million digital talents by 2030 and is continuing to expand its Digital Leadership Academy (DLI). He also hoped to see more digital-related programs and training offered at Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah schools and universities.
