Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, has encouraged the younger generation to play an active role in building a dynamic democracy capable of addressing the challenges of the digital age, including disinformation, social polarization, and the growing influence of technology on democratic processes.
Speaking at the youth discussion titled “28 Years of Reform: The Struggles of the Past, Present, and Future” in South Jakarta, Nezar emphasized that, 28 years after Indonesia’s Reformasi movement, the country’s challenge is no longer limited to safeguarding freedom. Instead, democracy must also deliver greater public welfare while adapting to rapid technological change.
“Technology has significantly expanded democratic participation, but at the same time, it also has the potential to intensify conflict,” Nezar said.
Digital Challenges Reshaping Democracy
He noted that while social media has created new opportunities for communication and civic engagement, it has also contributed to polarization, misinformation, identity politics, and the formation of algorithm-driven echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs rather than encouraging balanced public discourse.
“The content we encounter on social media is often driven less by whether it is true or false, and more by whether it appeals to our emotions and personal sentiments,” he explained. “What is amplified is sentiment rather than facts.”
Empowering Youth to Shape Indonesia’s Democratic Future
Despite these challenges, Nezar remains optimistic about the future of Indonesia’s democracy, pointing to the country’s demographic advantage. Nearly 60 percent of Indonesia’s population is between the ages of 15 and 55, a generation that has grown up experiencing democratic freedoms and considers them an integral part of political participation.
“This generation has internalized the values of democracy and freedom, making them an important foundation for Indonesia’s future political development,” he said.
Nezar concluded by encouraging young Indonesians to view the past 28 years of Reformasi as a foundation for strengthening democracy and preparing the nation to navigate the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly digital future.
Conclusion
Nezar Patria emphasized that Indonesia’s democratic future depends on a digitally literate and engaged younger generation capable of addressing technological challenges while safeguarding democratic values in the evolving digital era.
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