Enhancing Gen-Z Resilience Against Narcotics and Drugs Influence Among Smart Cities in Indonesia

Generation Z (Gen-Z), born between the mid-1990s and the late 2000s, is a crucial demographic for shaping Indonesia's smart cities. Characterized by digital nativity and resilience, this generation faces significant challenges, including the pervasive influence of narcotics and drugs abuse (“Narkoba”). Amidst technological advancements and societal shifts, understanding and enhancing Gen-Z resilience against Narkoba is vital for societal well-being. This quantitative study investigates the factors influencing Gen-Z resilience amongs smart cities in Indonesia, focusing on self-regulation, reaching out, and assertiveness. It examines the relationships between these factors and Gen-Z Internet usage, activity in organizations, living conditions with parents, presence of parents at home, frequency of communication with parents, and Narkoba counseling at home and school. A nationwide survey conducted from March to November 2023 gathered data from 53 cities in Indonesia. The findings reveal nuanced insights into Gen-Z's coping mechanisms and support networks for combating narkoba influences. This study underscores the importance of targeted interventions and community engagement in fostering resilience among Gen-Z. Recommendations are provided for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies that leverage Gen-Z's strengths and mitigate the impact of negative drug influences in smart city environments.