In 2024, Jakarta became the heart of a mission-driven gathering—the Digital SPARK Challenge. This wasn’t just any ideathon; it was an intense, four-day experience bringing together young minds from across ASEAN, Timor-Leste, and Australia. Designed with the power of youth in mind, this challenge aimed to empower the next generation to tackle one of today’s most pressing issues: fake news and content manipulation.
The Asia Foundation and Love Frankie stepped in as guides, building a space where participants could dream up, develop, and ultimately pitch innovative social media campaigns against misinformation.
Participants immersed themselves in masterclasses that opened new perspectives on digital advocacy and responsible online behavior. There was no shortage of excitement or eye-opening realizations as experts like Associate Professor Ika Idris and Meta Indonesia’s Policy Program Manager, Dessy Septiane Sukendar, broke down the complexities of AI-driven content manipulation, from deepfakes to AI-altered audio. The workshops weren’t just about listening—they were about sharpening skills, sparking ideas, and forming the groundwork for campaigns that could cut through digital noise.
Amidst this immersive setup, participants worked with mentors to sketch out campaign ideas that hit at the heart of the region’s digital challenges. From developing personas to creating compelling calls to action, the young innovators found themselves not only ideating but also understanding the nuanced social fabric of Southeast Asia. Each moment spent brainstorming and refining was a step closer to a solution that could resonate across borders.
The ideathon culminated in an unforgettable pitch day. Each team had five minutes to present their hard work, followed by a Q&A with judges who offered insight and encouragement. For the top six teams, it was time for the final showdown, presenting to an audience of dignitaries and peers. Watching the passion and creativity unfold on that stage made it clear: these campaigns weren’t just ideas—they were the seeds of real change, grounded in deep thought and a shared vision of a misinformation-free future.