THE DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY GUIDANCE AT THE MINISTRY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS FOCUSES ON DIGITAL LITERACY FOR CHRISTIAN YOUTH IN THE TECHNOLOGICAL ERA

Makassar, (DBK)—The Directorate General of Christian Community Guidance (Ditjen Bimas Kristen) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs is concentrating on digital literacy to support Christian youth in the era of technological and informational advancement. This was conveyed on Thursday, May 16, 2024, by the Director General of Christian Community Guidance, represented by Amsal Yowei, Director of Christian Affairs, during the opening of the Digital Literacy Skills for Christian Youth and Adolescents Area II event in Makassar.

According to the Director, of the 60 participants present, the majority of internet users are Gen Z (born 1997-2012), followed by Millennials (born 1981-1996).

The Director stated, "Gen Z makes up 34.40%, and Millennials make up 30.62%."

He further explained, "This makes Indonesia the country with the second-largest number of TikTok users in the world, only behind the United States." According to the We Are Social report, the number of users in Indonesia reached more than 106.5 million as of October 2023.

The Director highlighted that this information shows how easily and freely the digital world can penetrate personal boundaries.

"If not accompanied by digital literacy, it will have a negative impact on the personality of young people," stated the Director. He noted that it often results in emotional instability, stress, loss of appetite, lack of motivation to study, excessive gaming, disobedience to parents, and more.

Therefore, the Directorate General of Christian Community Guidance aims to educate Christian youth on the proper use of digital technology.

The Director expressed his hope, saying, "I hope Christian youth can utilize digital technology according to Christian faith principles, which include fearing God, after participating in this event."

He emphasized that this does not mean abandoning technology; instead, it should be used in a better and more beneficial way, both for oneself and others.

The Director concluded, "Be ambassadors of the church, young friends of Bimas Kristen, who will spread positive influence in the digital world, for the glory of God's name."

The three-day event featured several speakers, including the Spokesperson for the Minister of Religious Affairs, Anne Hasbie; Lecturer at the University of Indonesia, Sofian Lusa; Lecturer at Bina Nusantara University, Satrio Pradono Suryodiningrat; and Public Speaking Coach, Gatot Sandy.