The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we work and learn. What we normally do is go to school or work, now we do all of them at home. It has been over two years since the pandemic – and digital learning has become a greater – and more important – part of our education.
Unfortunately, digital literacy in Papua and West Papua is still a slow work in progress. Aside from the poor access to education, the various terrains of these provinces have been a challenge to provide the Papuan indigenous people with the digital literacy that they need. After all, it is part of West Papuan education.
Digital Economy As One of Indonesia’s Priorities in 2022
For Indonesia’s G20 (Group 20) Presidency, the digital economy will become one of their main priorities this year. Through the Ministry of Communications and Information, there is a development in The Digital Economy Working Group, which focuses on three main issues of priority: digital literacy, equitable digital access, and also a cross-border flow of data traffic.
So far, the digital pillar of talents has grown in several regions in Indonesia, like Jogjakarta and East Kalimantan. West Sumatra has already got its own ICT (information and communications technology) as well. Bengkulu and West Papua are also some of the provinces included in terms of the growing ICT access in their areas.
Five critical building elements are needed to secure the long-term viability of Indonesia’s digital economy and also to propel this country towards the digital age. For starters, the ICT infrastructure is the essential level that needs to be upgraded to a national level.
In West Papua so far, there has been an increase of 126% for villages that receive 4G signals, compared to other regions. The more people there reap the benefits of digital literacy, the better they become at competing against other regions in terms of education and work. They can get better access to information.
More Benefits for West Papuan Education Regarding Digital Literacy
According to the Vice Leader of MUI’s Information and Communications Commission, Munyati Sulam MA, Mkn., there are four ways to help the people of West Papua to gain digital literacy. The first one is to give them access to learn and let them practice operating technological devices.
The second part is to help them to understand hardware and software more. That way, they will not only know how to use the devices – but also how to fix things if anything goes wrong. The third one is to understand the importance of digital interaction ethics. As we all know, there are still too many people online who forget their manners, which is the reason cyber bullying is still so rampant.
Last but not least is the understanding of digital law. This is related to the third part. Cyberbullying also includes digital threats and doxxing (stealing identities and spreading personal information online without the owner’s consent).
The Minister of Communication and Information, Johnny G. Plate, has also been part of making digital literacy become more accessible to people in West Papua. Since the end of 2021, The Ministry of Communication and Information in Indonesia has set up Digital Talent Scholarship. Johnny has also urged West Papuans to also take part in it.
What is a Digital Talent Scholarship? Digital Talent Scholarship is a program that provides free learning regarding technology and communication. The program involves learning about cloud computation, A.I. (Artificial Intelligence), the internet of things, digital marketing, and virtual reality.
Hopefully, with programs like Digital Talent Scholarship, West Papuan education can be improved. More people in the region will benefit more from digital literacy. After all, West Papua is also working to build its very first international university. It will get better with digital literacy.
