Non-Profit Religion and Cultural Radio in Indonesia Facing the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities in Anticipating the Onslaught of Hoaxes

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to examine the role of non-profit radio in developing digital literacy through hoax prevention education for its audience. Specifically, it aims to see how non-profit radio focusing on religion and culture as the program themes that many people in Indonesia listen to deals with digitalization and educates public on preventing hoaxes.

Methods: Qualitative approach is used and involves various stakeholders as informants. Besides from radio audiences and announcers of both Radio Maria and Radio Komunitas Desa, also from Regional Indonesian Broadcasting Commision, chairman of the central Indonesian Community Radio Network and chairman of the North Sumatra Community Radio Network. Data were collected through focus group discussion and interview.

Results: we found that public still has not received education or campaigns that intersect with eradicating hoaxes or digital literacy campaigns launched by the government. Likewise, radio broadcasters in charge of each radio station admit they need more resources and knowledge to conduct digital literacy campaigns for their audiences. This condition is inseparable from our findings that active participation of the government in fostering non-profit radio still tends to be very little and not well applied to succeed National Digital Literacy Movement (Gerakan Nasional Literasi Digital - GNLD) campaign.

Conclusions: Radio still has opportunities and challenges in the digital era, prioritizing listener information and not seeking profit in broadcasting. However, this strength is underestimated, given the lack of attention and guidance from Indonesian government.