TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The political competition ahead of the 2024 presidential election has started to ignite even though no political parties have officially declared their candidates, a number of political figures have started to show their presence namely in social media.

Social media has been the platform of choice for these political figures to showcase their presence among society. According to Adjie Alfaraby, researcher for the Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI) Denny JA, the use of social media is currently the most effective alternative to increase one’s popularity.

“Data shows that over 73 percent Indonesians are internet users with 60 percent active in social media,” said Adjie. “[Political figures] who use social media effectively will indeed expose themselves to a broader audience and open the chance for the public to be aware of their activities.”

Adjie gave an example of the social media effect for a person’s electability between Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and fellow PDIP Party member and House Speaker Puan Maharani.

Pranowo, who is basically only a member of PDIP, has a better electability compared to Puan Maharani, despite the latter being the daughter of PDIP chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri and head of PDIP branch office.

Adjie argues that Maharani failed to effectively utilize social media to boost her popularity. “Not too well in communicating what she had done as a House Speaker which leads to the public not having a good track record of her.”

This is a contrast to Ganjar Pranowo’s social media activities in three platforms; Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube. Pranowo had even been active on Twitter since 2010 far before he was elected as Central Java governor.

Recent developments suggest PDIP will likely endorse Puan Maharani despite surveys showing her electability lacking behind the governor and other political figures and fellow Party members such as Social Minister Tri Rismaharini and former Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama.

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EGI ADYATAMA