Technology and metaverse in the post-COVID-19 era: the impact on education, economy and culture in Indonesia

Dear editor, Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, many transformations have ensued in humans in various aspects. Starting from the work culture, how individuals socialize, the implementation of education and how businesses operate.1 In addition, various habits emerged solely to spend time at home during the pandemic, including watching Netflix, thus creating a new behavior called binge-watching.2 In conformity with this point, humans seek innumerable ways to survive amid the impact caused by COVID-19, one of which is utilizing technology. Through technological innovation, it can influence all sectors in dealing with COVID-19. In the economic sector, utilizing technology can augment profits and retain income stability and mitigate business risks during the COVID-19 pandemic.3 In the implementation of education, learning is usually performed directly, but currently, it is carried out indirectly through various technological applications.4 In inclusive education, it is also necessary to provide digital interventions, in this case, the use of technology to enhance the educational achievements of persons with disabilities.5 Nowadays, stirring from kindergarten, we are taught to be able to use technology to equip ourselves for the metaverse era.6 Furthermore, an issue that is no less controversial is the existence of a metaverse because it affects the growth of the internet, which directly affects the physical world.7 According with this, every individual requires technology in various aspects. One of the developing countries that cannot escape this technological development is Indonesia, whose internet use is growing yearly.2 Nevertheless, technological developments in Indonesia have led to the metaverse not affecting certain ethnic groups. As a multicultural country, Indonesia consists of various ethnic groups, religions, races and groups from Sabang to Merauke.8–10 Cultural variations exist between ethnic groups in terms of physical settlements, economic activities, sociocultural activities and basic life values.11 Suku Anak in Jambi province is one of the tribes in Indonesia that does not understand technology, so they are left behind in all aspects of today’s life, namely, the economy, education, health, fashion and others.12 In addition, there are the Talang Mamak tribes in Riau Province who remain to preserve a hunting and gathering lifestyle.13,14 There are still multiple interior tribes in Indonesia that have not been touched by the influence and bustle of the outside world.