The recent wave of mass protests in Indonesia and Nepal is a vivid demonstration that traditional demonstrations have evolved dramatically in the digital age. We're witnessing the birth of what the article terms 5G Warfare—a conflict fought not with guns or guerrilla tactics but with likes, shares, and retweets. This form of warfare is powered by social media, AI, and rapid information dissemination, flipping the script from conventional mobilization to a decentralized, leaderless movement primarily driven by Gen Z.
What’s fascinating here isn’t just the mobilization itself but how AI and short-video platforms like TikTok are accelerating the spread of disinformation, inflaming tensions rapidly—sometimes with devastating real-world consequences. The deepfake targeting Indonesia’s Finance Minister Sri Mulyani exemplifies how AI isn’t just a tool for innovation but can be weaponized to erode trust and destabilize governance.
From a techno-journalist perspective, the 5G Warfare phenomenon challenges us to rethink the very nature of influence and control in politics. In this new battleground, narrative control reigns supreme. Governments slow to respond or clinging to outdated media strategies are outpaced by nimble digital actors who master memes, hashtags, and viral content.
This shift calls for nuanced solutions rather than knee-jerk bans on social media—because restricting platforms only fans the flames further. Digital literacy, transparent institutional reform, and inclusive dialogue that actively involve the digital-native Gen Z could be more pragmatic antidotes.
The lesson for countries like Malaysia, or any nation facing similar socioeconomic frustrations, is clear: ignoring digital-era protesters and the narratives they shape is not just naive—it’s risky. The power to sway public perception now lies at the fingertips of millions wielding smartphones, and political actors who don’t adapt risk losing not only the narrative but the mandate to govern.
In short, technology isn’t just a backdrop here; it’s the frontline. And while AI and social media have democratized voice, they’ve also complicated truth. Understanding this dual nature is key to addressing the challenges of modern civic unrest—because in 5G Warfare, the future belongs to those who own the story, not just the story told. Source: ULASAN | Perang 5G: ‘Like, share, retweet’ jadi peluru politik
