By: Nadia Sivina
The 2024 Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) in Indonesia face serious challenges with the rampant spread of hoaxes on social media, especially those targeting young voters. As a digital generation, Gen Z has a strategic role in fighting disinformation and maintaining the integrity of democracy. With good digital literacy, Gen Z is expected to be at the forefront of fighting hoaxes that can damage the Pilkada process.As the simultaneous regional elections in November 2024 draw closer, a major challenge that must be faced is the surge in false information containing political content, such as hoaxes, slander, and SARA-based narratives. The Indonesian Anti-Slander Society (Mafindo) Bangka Belitung is aware of this by inviting Gen Z to actively fight hoaxes. Through the National School program in the Tular Nalar Training, Mafindo educates students at the Syaikh Abdurrahman Siddik State Islamic Institute (IAIN SAS) Bangka Belitung to become critical voters and smarter in filtering information.Mafindo Bangka Belitung Regional Coordinator, Suryani said that Gen Z who grew up in the digital era has an important role in fighting the massive hoaxes on social media. This socialization not only teaches how to identify false information, but also provides a deep understanding of the impact and sanctions for spreading hoaxes. Training like this is very important to prepare the younger generation to face the increasingly complex challenges of democracy, especially in cyberspace which is the main field for spreading information.Efforts to involve Gen Z in combating Pilkada hoaxes are also demonstrated through collaboration between the State Islamic University (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta and Mafindo. The program organized by the Journalism Study Program of the Faculty of Da’wah and Communication Sciences has succeeded in strengthening digital literacy among students, with a primary focus on filtering information and knowledge about the election. In the program themed Hoax Sensing for Elections, students are equipped with skills to recognize false and dangerous narratives that often appear during the election period.This collaboration proves that the role of campuses as agents of change is crucial in national issues, especially in countering hoaxes. Deputy Dean III for Student Affairs FDIKOM, Dr. Muhtadi, M.Sc., said that the Hoax Sensing for Elections program is expected to help students think critically and be better prepared to face the wave of hoaxes during the 2024 Pilkada. This is very relevant considering that social media is currently the main platform for interaction for Gen Z, who are often exposed to unfiltered information.In addition to the importance of digital literacy, political education is also a key factor in encouraging active participation of Gen Z in the 2024 Pilkada. In East Kalimantan, the National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol) continues to strive to provide political understanding to the younger generation. Head of the Domestic Politics Division of Kesbangpol Kaltim, Fatimah Waty said that political education that is implemented systematically can provide enlightenment for young voters. This is very important, considering that 37 percent of the Permanent Voters List (DPT) in East Kalimantan is dominated by millennials and Gen Z.The role of Gen Z in fighting hoaxes cannot be underestimated. As a generation living in the digital era, of course they have unlimited access to information and also the ability to spread it. This is what makes Gen Z the vanguard in maintaining the integrity of democracy in Indonesia. When hoaxes and disinformation continue to spread, especially during the election process, Gen Z’s responsibility as smart and critical voters is vital.Based on the survey, Gen Z is the group that consumes the most information from social media, a platform that is often fertile ground for the spread of hoaxes. Therefore, providing digital literacy skills is a strategic step to combat disinformation. Programs such as those initiated by Mafindo and UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta are real examples that digital literacy can be integrated into the world of higher education to prepare the younger generation to face the challenges of democracy.Gen Z is not only a recipient of information, but also an important actor in creating a healthy information environment. With critical thinking skills and fact-checking skills, Gen Z can become agents of change who are able to direct public discourse in a more positive direction. Their involvement is not only important in ensuring that the 2024 Pilkada is peaceful and free from manipulation, but also in building a healthy and democratic political culture in the future.In facing the 2024 Pilkada, Gen Z has a strategic position as the guardian of the integrity of democracy. With strong digital literacy, deep political understanding, and the ability to filter information, fight the spread of hoaxes and become smart voters. Collaboration between various parties, such as campuses, government, and anti-hoax organizations, is very important to ensure that the younger generation is ready to face the increasing challenges of disinformation. If Gen Z can use technology wisely and become agents of change, the future of Indonesian democracy will be in safe hands.)* The author is a domestic political observer