Transformation of public communication in the era of expressive netizens

Citizens who dare to speak out demonstrate an increasing awareness of their rights and a maturing political participation.

Surabaya (ANTARA) - Indonesian democracy today relies not only on ballot boxes but also on digital spaces. Social media has become a new public space, a virtual arena where citizens openly express their aspirations, criticisms, and even anger. Netizens are becoming increasingly expressive and daring to voice their opinions to those in power.

They photograph potholes, record poor public services, question the improper distribution of social assistance, and then disseminate it within seconds. Mobile phone cameras have become instruments of social control. A simple post can spark a national discourse.

This is the face of digital democracy: participatory, open, and at the same time, full of pressure for the government. In this situation, government communication is no longer a complement to policy but the core of governance.

Within the framework of public communication, access to information is a key requirement for creating an equal dialogue between the government and the public. Law Number 14 of 2008 concerning Public Information Transparency affirms that information is the right of citizens.

In public communication management, the right to information is a prerequisite for participation. Without access to information, citizens are merely objects of policy. With information, citizens become subjects of democracy.

This article aims to present a simple thesis: without a transformation in communication based on social dialogue, it is impossible to achieve a government that is oriented towards public service and good governance.

Digital democracy