Not Only Recess, Absorbing Constituent Aspirations Can Also Be Done Via Social Media

Photo by Rami Al-zat on Unsplash

JAKARTA - The performance of the DPR RI is considered to be getting better, especially in terms of supervision. By utilizing social media in this digital era, members of the DPR are increasingly actively accommodating and voicing the aspirations of the people.

"Members of the DPR are elected by the people through general elections, and they have a responsibility to articulate the voices of the people in the policy-making process," said Political Communication Analyst Silvanus Alvin, Tuesday, May 30.

Currently, many events involving the community can be resolved through endorse or assistance from members of the DPR. Alvin assessed that the majority of council members are now increasingly showing one voice, one tone or one voice and one tone with the people.

"By being one voice and one tone with the people, members of the DPR can strengthen their legitimacy as legitimate representatives and build trust with the people," said the lecturer at the Faculty of Communications, Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN).

Alvin said, when DPR members have a deep understanding of the needs and problems faced by the people, they can be more effective in fighting for policies that are in accordance with the wishes and interests of the people.

Moreover, members of the DPR are considered to be increasingly communicative with the community today. Moreover, members of the council are also not afraid to voice the needs of the people, through various means.

"By actively communicating and listening to the people, members of the DPR can understand their various perspectives and strengthen their understanding of the issues faced by the community," said Alvin.

"This will help them in making wise decisions and producing policies that are more responsive and relevant to the interests of the people," he added.

Alvin said that the form of one voice-one tone had been shown directly by the Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, about the problems faced by the people. Especially in issues of women and children.

Issues about women and children are the concern of Puan Maharani and the practice of absorption of aspirations and things that become a concern for women are ultimately translated into a law product that protects women. That is the purpose and role of the DPR," said Alvin.

According to the author of the book Political Communications in the Digital Age: from Big Data, Influencer Relations & Celebrity Strength, To Laughter Politics, Puan's steps to focus on women's issues are very important. Alvin said that Puan's attention to women has shown her concern for the welfare and safety of women.

Puan Maharani's steps in fighting for policies aimed at preventing, handling, and eradicating sexual harassment are very important in protecting women's rights and fighting for gender justice, "he explained.

Not only through official information through the mass media, Puan also took advantage of her social media to convey her input, ideas and ideas, as well as interact with the community.

"With Puan's number of followers reaching 2.8 million on Instagram and added accounts from other DPR members, this should be a medium that can pay special attention to the issue of women's protection," explained Alvin.

Apart from Puan, there are many members of the DPR who have a considerable influence on social media. Some figures even become role models for social media users when there is public anxiety.

"For example, in the case of damaged roads, council members can be the first to voice or go viral on social media in order to become the Government's attention to find solutions," he said.

Therefore, Alvin believes that DPR members must take advantage of social media to carry out their duties and responsibilities. Because social media can be an effective tool for DPR members to absorb people's aspirations and guard cases by making them viral.

"In the digital era that is increasingly connected, social media has become an important channel to interact with the community directly and get feedback in real-time," said Alvin.

Social media is also considered to be able to increase public participation because it allows DPR members to communicate directly with the people and open two-way communication channels. Alvin said this was related to policymaking and allowed DPR members to better absorb people's aspirations, inputs, and complaints.

"So Council Members can take time, for example in prime time hours, such as 7-9 pm for live IG and open dialogue with the public. Or take advantage of other social media features," he said.

The use of social media can also expand the reach of messages and increase the transparency and accountability of council members. DPR members can provide transparent information to the public about their work, political views, and daily activities.

"This can help build trust with the community and increase the level of accountability of DPR members," said Alvin.

The graduate of the British University of Leicester master added that social media allows members of the DPR to monitor trending issues and respond quickly. According to Alvin, by making the case viral, members of the DPR can attract public attention, raise important issues, and influence the political agenda and government policies.

My one note is that it is also necessary to create visual-based interactive campaigns. For example, guides when dealing with perpetrators of sexual harassment or who should be contacted," he said.

Alvin also assessed that DPR members could focus on their respective constituents in strengthening content on their social media.

"Both policy campaigns, raise cases. Content that discusses the issue of members of the council is not a problem, but the focus should be more on constituents," concluded Alvin.