Scholar and national activist Prof. Yudi Latif emphasized the urgency of transforming digital space usage in Indonesia to focus more on strengthening national values. He highlighted that the high level of public activity in the virtual world is currently still inclined towards less productive content, preventing this immense potential from having a significant impact on the nation's progress.
This statement was made during a discussion forum on nationalism and food security held alongside the launch of the Vardhana Nawasena Network (VNN) Foundation in Jakarta on Thursday (7/9/2026). Yudi likened today's digital platforms to a modern medium of struggle equivalent to the role of newspapers during the independence era, where national ideas should be disseminated more massively.
In addition to highlighting the digital phenomenon, Yudi also stressed the importance of human resource (HR) development in Papua as a national strategic agenda. According to him, equitable access to education and affirmative policies are crucial so that people in the region can contribute optimally to national development amid global economic challenges.
The Chairman of the VNN Foundation, Martin Aprildo, emphasized that his organization is committed to supporting this agenda through policy research and the presentation of comprehensive information. As a first step, VNN launched a documentary film titled WANAM, offering an alternative perspective on development in Papua while serving as proof of the foundation's dedication to monitoring strategic issues such as food security and youth capacity building.
