The current global condition is far from stable. In addition to being marked by conflict, economic inequality, climate change, and a decline in humanitarian values, the situation risks fostering the dehumanization of global society due to the dominance of global economic and political interests.
“The world is facing an economic crisis and war, with all the risks of dehumanization. Practices that erode humanity are taking place,” said UGM sociologist Dr. Arie Sujito during the Safari Ilmu di Bulan Ramadan, event organized by RDK UGM on Wednesday (Feb. 18).
According to Dr. Sujito, the global crisis has also affected national conditions, including the weakening of public ethics, rising pragmatism, and diminishing respect for humanitarian values.
He also highlighted issues in democracy and governance, which continue to face challenges such as corruption, inequality, and weak public policy management. These conditions risk deepening social crises if not balanced with strengthening civility and state responsibility.
“Our democracy is not in a good state. Our legal politics is not yet a model we can rely on. Therefore, we must reinforce tolerance, respect for differences, and social responsibility,” he said.
He noted that the development of digital technology presents two inseparable sides. On the one hand, advances in information technology expand access to knowledge, accelerate communication, and strengthen connectivity.
He observed that students have significant opportunities to utilize digital spaces for learning and sharing ideas. On the other hand, he warned that digital spaces may also foster social fragmentation, political polarization, and the spread of unverified information.
The rapid flow of information, without adequate literacy maturity, can cloud the public sphere and weaken media ethics. He emphasized that freedom in digital spaces is not freedom without responsibility.
“Digital freedom must be used for the common good, not to intensify social conflict,” he said.
Dr. Sujito argued that the greatest challenge for the younger generation is not merely mastering technology but cultivating civic virtue amid the overwhelming flow of information. Without ethical foundations and social awareness, technology can deepen divisions and reinforce narrow sentiments.
“What we must do are educational efforts, preventive measures, and the development of strong systems,” he said.
He further stressed that human resources in Indonesia must be positioned as subjects of development. Educational support is a key priority that must be carried out in a humane manner. It should not be oriented solely toward market demands but also toward shaping character, social awareness, and humanitarian values.
He added that intelligence should not be measured solely by academic achievement. He underscored the importance of integrity and moral track records in building an advanced and civilized Indonesian society.
“A person’s intelligence is not measured merely by the numbers that appear, but by the character reflected behind them,” he said.
Concluding his reflection, Dr. Sujito encouraged students to develop high-quality human resources by integrating technological competence with moral integrity. He emphasized that intellectual intelligence alone is insufficient without a commitment to humanitarian values and national dignity.
He stressed that the knowledge we gain should not remain confined to classrooms or academic discussions but must be translated into actions that liberate and empower.
According to Dr. Sujito, the month of Ramadan can serve as an important momentum for reflection and for mobilizing knowledge-based social action.
“Those who do not know must be guided to know. Those who know must become aware, and those who are aware must take action. That is what we call praxis transforming knowledge into capital for advocacy,” he concluded.
Writer: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Freepik