Mataram, May 6, 2024 – In the face of rapid globalization and increasing digital literacy, Indonesian society emphasizes preserving local wisdom. Dr. Agus Machfud Fauzi, M. Si, a cultural expert and Sociology lecturer at Surabaya State University, highlights that local wisdom is a valuable heritage and crucial for maintaining a nation’s identity and cultural richness.
To explore this topic, the Sociology Education Study Program at Mataram University organized a public lecture featuring two speakers who examined the theme from a sociological perspective and one who addressed it from a tourism standpoint. The beautiful islands in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) hold significant potential as unique tourism destinations, rich in natural and cultural treasures. However, balancing tourism development with preserving local wisdom and efforts to alleviate poverty is essential to ensuring sustainable growth. The Importance of Local Wisdom in Cultural Identity Dr. Agus Machfud Fauzi identified several challenges confronting local wisdom. These include its limited engagement by the younger generation in campus and community events, as well as the pressures of capitalism, which threaten the existence of local communities in regions like Lombok. Additionally, digital literacy poses a significant challenge, as some communities experience gaps in access and are at risk of exposure to superficial, instant content that undermines the understanding of local values.
The Role of Local Wisdom in Overcoming Digital Literacy Challenges
Dr. Agus Machfud Fauzi suggests that local wisdom can enhance cultural identity in the digital era in multiple ways. Cultural identity acts as an essential filter for information, enabling people to discern and process information wisely. Empowering communities through local wisdom also makes them more resilient to digital literacy challenges. I, Nengah Gusya, SE., from the tourism office, emphasize that strengthening local wisdom is critical to alleviating poverty in NTB through the tourism sector. Integrating local wisdom into tourism development strategies by leveraging cultural heritage and traditions as tourist attractions can increase awareness of local wisdom while empowering local communities to manage and capitalize on their tourism potential. Preserving local wisdom in the digital era requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including the government, educational institutions, the community, and the technology sector. By using digital technology wisely, we can document, promote, and preserve local wisdom, thereby strengthening Indonesia’s cultural identity.
