TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In terms of social media popularity as a public figure, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan exceeds the popularity of West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil and Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo.

That statement about popularity is backed by social media expert and Drone Emprit developer Ismail Fahmi, who observed the trend from May 9, 2020, up until June 8, 2020, across social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.

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“Anies’ popularity is 64 percent, Ganjar 19 percent, and Ridwan Kamil scored 17 percent,” said Ismail in Tuesday’s online discussion on electoral dynamics and big data research.

Despite his significant popularity, Anies Baswedan has the least approval rating with 31 percent compared to Ganjar Pranowo (53 percent) and Ridwan Kamil (54 percent). The approval rating is determined by comparing the positive and negative sentiments toward the figures.

According to the Social Network Analysis (SNA), Anies Baswedan scored a high approval rating in social platforms but scored a low approval rating due to the nearly balanced positive and negative sentiments addressed toward the governor of Jakarta.

The negative sentiments aimed at Anies comes from social media accounts that consistently react negatively toward the governor. “This is what causes Anies Baswedan’s favorability level drop despite his popularity,” said Ismail.

Another aspect that contributed to Anies Baswedan’s low approval rating is the series of hashtags that refer to the governor in a negative light.

Drone Emprit’s observation toward Ridwan Kamil showed positive sentiments area attracted to his personal Twitter account and almost has no social media team that is mobilized to support himself. Not many social media accounts share contrasting views with Ridwan Kamil. “Ridwan Kamil is a lone ranger, without a promoter and with minimum counteractions,” he said.

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AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI