Yogyakarta (October 9th 2024) – The Center for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Universitas Gadjah Mada (MPRK UGM), is currently conducting a Community Service Program (PkM) in Ledhok Code RT 18 RW 04, Kotabaru Village, Gondokusuman Subdistrict, Yogyakarta, with the theme “Peace Education through Digital Skills Training.” This training is technical and facilitates the youth of Ledhok Code RT 18 to discuss various topics related to peace.
Recently, the MPRK UGM PkM team worked alongside the youth of Ledhok Code RT 18 to learn about peaceful values with the goal of internalizing these principles and using them as a guide to create positive and inspiring digital content in the form of short videos. In this context, the campaign is expected to be the first step in creating creative materials that promote peace within the community. The discussion event was held at the UGM Center for Security and Peace Studies (PSKP UGM), a partner of MPRK UGM.
Regarding this activity, MPRK UGM Quality Assurance Chair Dody Wibowo, S.I.P., M.A., Ph.D., expressed, “The development of digital technology brings positive impacts, however it can also lead to negative consequences, particularly in human rights aspects. One of the issues raised is related to content involving SARA (ethnicity, religion, race, and intergroup) that is increasingly prevalent in digital media. It is essential to understand that peace does not merely mean the absence of physical violence but goes beyond that. Peace is when people can live together harmoniously without harboring ill feelings towards each other.”
In this discussion, the youth of Ledhok Code RT 18 were reminded that in today’s digital era, it is crucial to understand the importance of maintaining social cohesion through the content they produce for digital media, as it can reach a broad audience. Through these discussions, they are expected not only to become creative content creators but also to bear moral responsibility in spreading positive messages and avoiding content that could divide society.
This PkM activity conducted by MPRK UGM aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly point 10: reduced inequalities, point 16: peace, justice, and strong institutions, and point 17: partnership for the goals.
Author: Glory Prayoga V. F.
Editor: Arfikah Istari