The UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences has opened free digital intelligence classes on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology available to the public.
These digital intelligence classes, theming “Accelerating Digital Talent in Indonesia through Inclusive Educational Programs,” were opened officially on Tuesday, August 29, at the faculty’s auditorium.
Basic Digital Intelligence, Advanced Digital Intelligence, and Digital Transformation and Elections classes are offered. Registration was open from August 18 and will continue until September 18.
The purpose of these digital intelligence classes is to cultivate new digital talent and enhance the digital readiness of the Indonesian population.
“Currently, there are already around 1,000 people registered,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Dr. Wawan Mas’udi, in his speech.
Dr. Mas’udi stated that the initiation of these classes began three years ago. Previously, 20 classes were opened, with over 20,000 participants from various provinces in Indonesia.
The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences wants to encourage young people to take advantage of the growing digital transformation opportunities.
“We want to encourage young people to benefit from and become winners in the digital transformation. We shouldn’t be left behind when there are digital transformation opportunities,” he said.
The Director-General of Information Application at the Ministry of Communication and Information, Semuel Abrijani, mentioned that the government is pushing for accelerating digital transformation by increasing digital literacy, which currently stands at an index of 3.54.
“Our digital literacy index is still 3.54, an improvement from the previous year’s 3.19, but it’s still not enough,” Abrijani said.
“It needs to be further increased by promoting a national digital literacy enhancement program that reaches the entire population because no one should be left behind in the digital transformation.”
Research Manager at the UGM Center for Digital Society Agung Tri Nugraha stated that based on a 2018 World Bank survey, Indonesia needs at least 9 million new digital talents over 15 years, meaning the country demands approximately 600,000 new digital talents yearly.
“However, our universities only graduate about 100,000 to 200,000, leaving a gap of 400,000 to 500,000 digital talents needed,” he said.
Nugraha noted that universities need to provide formal education and vocational training to fill the demand for digital talent.
“The government cannot do it alone because there is a large gap that we need to fill,” he emphasized.
Social media influencer Danang Giri Sadewa stated that digital transformation opens new job opportunities. He stressed that the accessibility of information and technological ease should be utilized effectively.
“We greatly need an increase in digital intelligence because there is a lot of potential to be developed. If we are not digitally smart, we will fall behind,” he concluded.
Author: Gusti Grehenson