Thursday, 03 September 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra Provincial Government has called on the younger generation, particularly university students, not merely to be users of digital technology but to become a driving force behind a safe, ethical and responsible digital transformation. The message was delivered during the 15th Dies Natalis anniversary of the National Association of Informatics and Computer Students (PERMIKOMNAS) Region I Aceh–North Sumatra, held in Medan on Saturday, August 22, 2026, alongside a national IT seminar.
The event, themed "Law in the Digital Age: Addressing Cybercrime, Data Breaches and Online Fraud," highlighted the challenges arising from the rapid development of digital technology. On the one hand, technology has made many aspects of social life easier. On the other hand, the digital space is increasingly presenting complex threats, ranging from data breaches and cybercrime to various forms of online fraud.North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, through North Sumatra Communication and Information Service (Diskominfo Sumut) Head Erwin Harahap, whose message was delivered by Public Information and Communications Division Head Porman Mahulae, said technological development must be accompanied by stronger capabilities and greater awareness among the younger generation in using the digital space.
"The younger generation must not only be technology users. Students must become a generation that understands technology, possesses digital ethics, is aware of data security and is capable of creating innovations that benefit society," he said.Under these conditions, digital literacy has become an important requirement, particularly for students who belong to a generation closely connected to technological development. They must not only understand how to use various digital devices and platforms, but also be able to identify risks and make responsible decisions in their online activities.
Therefore, universities and student organizations hold a strategic position in building a healthy digital culture. The academic environment can serve as a space where students deepen their knowledge, discuss current issues and develop ideas that respond to technological challenges facing society.The North Sumatra Provincial Government therefore considers events such as technology conferences and discussions on law in the digital age particularly important because they connect technological aspects with an awareness of legal issues. This understanding is expected to better prepare students for ongoing technological development, which continues to generate new challenges.
The presence of a student organization focused on technology can strengthen the role of students in responding to digital transformation. In addition to improving their competencies, student organizations can also serve as platforms for collaboration and generate innovations that provide broader benefits to society.
Bobby expressed hope that the Dies Natalis celebration and national IT seminar would not stop at an exchange of knowledge and ideas. He urged students to turn the results of the discussions into concrete actions and innovations capable of making a real contribution to the development of the region and the country."Collaboration between the government, universities, industry and students is very important to build a safe, inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem," he said.
Cross-sector collaboration is becoming increasingly important as society grows more dependent on digital technology. The government has the responsibility to provide policy frameworks and protective measures, universities strengthen education and research, industry develops technology, while students can contribute new perspectives and innovations.
Meanwhile, Zulham, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at Universitas Dharmawangsa, welcomed the 15th Dies Natalis celebration of PERMIKOMNAS Region I Aceh–North Sumatra, which was held in conjunction with the seminar.
According to Zulham, the Dies Natalis celebration and seminar provided students with a positive opportunity to broaden their horizons while strengthening relationships between students and universities. Such forums can also bring together students from different academic backgrounds, enabling them to exchange experiences and build networks.Zulham expressed hope that organizers would continue to improve the quality of similar events and expand their reach in the future. At the same time, he reminded students that every event they organize should provide benefits while maintaining the good reputation of their respective alma maters.
"We greatly appreciate this event. Going forward, we certainly hope that its implementation will be even better, improve in quality and, equally importantly, strengthen the name of each respective alma mater," Zulham said.Ultimately, the seminar was not merely a forum for discussing technological developments and legal issues in the digital space. It also became an opportunity to encourage students to develop innovative, critical and responsible ways of thinking in responding to technological change.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government hopes that collaboration among the government, universities, industry and student organizations will continue to be strengthened. This synergy is expected to contribute to the development of human resources who are not only competent in using technology but also understand its ethical dimensions, security issues and the consequences of its use.By strengthening these competencies, the younger generation in North Sumatra is expected to play a greater role in building the digital ecosystem in the future. Students should not merely be consumers of technological progress, but also developers of innovations and solutions that meet society's needs while contributing to a safe, inclusive and sustainable digital space. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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