Independence Means Digital Sovereignty

As Indonesia celebrates its 81st year of independence, the meaning of freedom extends beyond traditional ceremonies to encompass digital sovereignty and technological self-reliance. In an era of rapid technological advancement, this means the nation must strive not only to use technology but also to shape its development.

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The dependence [on technology] raises an important question: will we only be users of technology, or will we be a nation that helps create and determine the direction of its development?

The current dependence on digital platforms for learning, transactions, and information raises a critical question: Will Indonesians remain mere consumers of technology, or will they become creators and drivers of its progress? This transition is framed as a key struggle for the younger generation, requiring them to move from being users to creators, consumers to innovators, and opportunity seekers to opportunity creators.

Universities, particularly informatics programs, bear a significant responsibility in this shift. While technical skills like coding are foundational, they are insufficient on their own. Technology inherently carries social consequences, impacting human lives, data, and privacy. Therefore, future tech professionals must cultivate critical thinking and ethical awareness.

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Indonesia needs a generation that dares to move up: from user to creator, from consumer to innovator, and from opportunity seeker to opportunity creator.

Students learning about artificial intelligence, for instance, need to understand not only how to build models but also the implications of privacy, data security, bias, and transparency. Similarly, when developing information systems, security and privacy must be integrated from the outset, not as an afterthought. The ultimate goal is to foster technology that solves problems without creating larger ones, a mission that requires higher education institutions to play a pivotal role.

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A great technology is not just a sophisticated technology. Great technology is technology that can solve problems without creating bigger problems.