Peran Internet dalam Meningkatkan Pembangunan Demokrasi di Kawasan Barat Indonesia [The Role of the Internet in Improving Democratic Development in Western Indonesia

Abstract

Guaranteed freedom of the press has become an absolute requirement for democratization in Indonesia. Following the 1998 Reform in Indonesia, the press is no longer under the pressure and control of the state. The Indonesia Democracy Index is an index that describes the dynamics of democracy in Indonesia. The developing democratization is further supported by massive development in technology and information. In describing the level of development of information and communication technology, an index is used as a standard measure for information and communication technology development in an area called the Information and Communication Technology Development Index. Of the 11 indicators that make up the index, the fastest growing indicator is the percentage of households with internet access. The availability of internet as a medium of information and communication has encouraged the public to voice their aspirations through different online platforms. The research employs multiple linear regression method. The data used is sourced from Statistics Indonesia and cover 17 provinces in the Western Region of Indonesia. The results showed that the percentage of households accessing the internet and the percentage of poor people had a positive and significant effect on the Indonesian Democracy Index in western Indonesia. Supported by efforts such as improving the development of infrastructure, training, and other measures, it would be on the government's best interest to work with different parties to support and increase the number of internet users. Moreover, more public education on the importance of democracy is also necessary to ensure higher public participation in democracy.

Construction of Reality and Segregative Content of Islamic Media

“…The internet, with its democratic nature, provides opportunities for all religious adherents to have a special domain that is intended for spreading and proselytizing their religion. According to Coleman & Blumler (2009), the internet or digital media has the potential to improve public communication and enrich democracy (Dewi & Widyawati, 2021). those that are not recognized by the state try to exist by spreading their values and teachings.…”

Empowering Voices: Building an Electronic Petition System for Strengthening Freedom of Speech in Indonesia

“…By looking at the UK and Germany, Indonesia should be able to implement the electronic petition system. This is reinforced by the probability that internet users in Indonesia have reached 210 million users (Dewi & Widyawati, 2021). However, adopting an electronic petition system requires careful consideration, so a scheme and mechanism are built with prudence principles and prioritize security, effectiveness, and efficiency.…”

“…Dissatisfaction from the public regarding the policies taken by the government is a sign of the need for a media that can accommodate representative public opinions to create policies that are by the conditions of the community. Therefore, it is necessary to have a technological approach in today's democratic countries or referred to as e-democracy (Dewi & Widyawati, 2021). The electronic petition system can be a space for community involvement to actively participate in determining the strategic direction of policies to be taken and implemented by the government.…”

Analysis of the Implementation of Participatory Principles to Improve Democracy: A Case Study in Sukopuro Village Government, Jabung District, Malang Regency

“…Therefore there must be a guarantee that general elections are held regularly so that every policy set by the government can be evaluated and accountable in the general election. (Dewi &;Widyawati, 2021) Gadjong mentioned that the importance of people's participation in a democratic country greatly determines the survival of a nation. Hence, the people have power in decision-making in the political and governmental fields through representation-the direct expression of oral and written opinions that are constitutionally protected.…”