- 13/12/2017
- Categories: Commentaries, Press Release
Yogyakarta, December 13th 2017 – The ease of internet access and social media features are now being used by society to interact, as well as country leaders. Real-time information, interaction, and updates obtained from social media and websites are able to accommodate the people’s need for fast information. Country leaders use social media and websites for different purposes. However, all of these goals are still within a large framework, that is to align their patterns of interaction with technological advances.
Center for Digital Society (CfDS) Fisipol UGM conducted a study on “Global Index of Virtual Connectivity”, and index that measures the level of utilization of virtual communications facilities by countries in the Virtual Connectedness Index (VCI). This index is calculated by combining several derivative indicators, namely Virtual Popularity Index (VPI), the Social Media Connectedness Index (VCSM), and the Website Connectivity Index (VCWS). This study is a follow-up study from the previous study conducted by CfDS in 2015. In this study, obtained 10 countries with the highest VCSM nad VCWS scores as well as the 10 most active country leaders in social media, both Facebook and Twitter.
“This study demonstrates that the use of social media and virtual communication in governance around the world has shown a significant upward trend. This study is also conducted to update the research data we have done in 2015, so that will be obtained the data set that is constantly updated.” said Viyasa Rahyaputra, Research Manager, CfDS
Indonesia ranks 9th out of 10 countries with the highest VCI score, while America is ranked first. The entry of Indonesia in the top 10 countries with the highest score on this index shows an increase made by Indonesia in the last two years. This is partly due to increased use of the internet and social media, both among the public and the government officials. The use of social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube by President Joko Widodo as a form of political communication is also a driver of increasing the rank of VCI Indonesia.
In 2017, President Jokowi ranks 6th in The Most Active World Leaders on Social Media or VCSM Index. This rank is under Narendra Modi and Erdogan, who are ranked first and third respectively. Meanwhile, the names of Donald Trump and Narendra Modi dominate in rank one and two in the Top 10 Most Active Country Heads on Twitter and Facebook. Despite the frequent upload of controversial chirp, Donald Trump continues to use Twitter as a means of sharing ideas and political views. There are several countries that show good performance in social media, this becoming a new country in the Top 10 the Most Active Country Leaders in Social Media. These countries are Cambodia, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
CfDS also incorporated the website as one of the indicators of the Virtual Connectedness Index (VCI). Although Indonesia is among the highest in the use of social media, Indonesia is ranked only 69th in the Virtual Website Connectedness Index (VCWS). Interestingly, China and Russia, countries that have limited access to social media, occupying a fairly high VCWS score.
Looking at Indonesia’s high VCI score, Viyasa emphasizes Indonesia’s huge potential. President Jokowi is currently intensively using social media to upload his political views and government agendas. This, it is hoped that there will be an information disclosure and involvement of society.
“From this research shows that Indonesia is basically has great potential in the terms of internet users and social media to maximize the utilization of information technology for the common good. The issues of smart city development, digital democracy, and e-government implementation.” said Viyasa.
