IO – The Ministry of Communications and Informatics has launched four Modules on Digital Literacy: Digital Media Culture, Safe Usage of Digital Media, Ethical Use of Digital Media, and Competent Use of Digital Media. The four modules will be implemented in 514 regencies and municipalities in 34 provinces for the next 8 months or until the end of the year. After due evaluation and adjustments, the program will continue each year until the end of the current Cabinet term. “We certainly hope that the new Cabinet will con-
tinue the program. As it involves 12.4 million citizens, the program will comprise about 20,000 activities,” said Minister of Communications and Informatics Johnny G. Plate in the Grand Launching of the 4 Pillars of Curriculum and Modules on Digital Literacy held in Surabaya, East Java, on Friday (16/04/2021).
The Grand Launching was broadcast on YouTube. It was attended by 3,300 online participants in all regencies and municipalities, 250 offline participants in five cities with strict implementation of health protocols, and 10,000 viewers throughout Indonesia.
Johnny believes that these skills are absolutely necessary in view of the current development of digitalization in Indonesia. The 20,000 activities derived from cooperation between the Ministry of Communications and Informatics, the Siberkreasi National Movement of Digital Literacy, Regional Governments, and 110 Government agencies and community organizations who will collaborate to implement them. “It is impossible to do individually and separately. It must be performed together. Today, the Grand Launching is held in five cities: Surabaya, which represents the Province of East Java; Banda Aceh, which represents the Province of Aceh; Bandar Lampung, which represents the Province of Lampung; Tangerang, which represents the Province of Banten; and Yogyakarta, which represents the Province of DI Yogyakarta,” he said. “Our urgent need of Human Resources who are competent in Information and Communication Technology requires such massive, collaborative, and sustainable effort.”
World Bank data shows that Indonesia suffers a massive digital talent gap. We sorely need 9 million digital talents in 15 years, or an average of 600,000 each year. In view of this great need, the Ministry of Communications and Informatics uses a comprehensive approach that comprises three levels of digital competence in its efforts:
At the Advanced Digital Skill level, the Digital Leadership Academy (“DLA”) program is initiated to improve the capacity of digital decisionmakers, whether they are in the public or private sector. This online program is directed for 300 leaders, and it engages global digital ecosystem development centers in China, India, Singapore, Estonia, the United States, etc.
At the Intermediate Digital Skill level, the Digital Talent Scholarship (“DTS”) program is held to provide technical training for TI young workers, new graduates, professionals, and ordinary citizens. The program teaches various digital era skills, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital entrepreneurship, and digital communication,. “In 2021, we are distributing 100,000 DTS scholarships for capable Indonesian citizens on the above skills,” said Minister Johnny.
However, he did not elaborate on the specifics of the Basic Digital Skill level of the program, even though this is the most important part of the entire undertaking. (Ekawati)