Jakarta Globe, SP/Robertus Wardhy, April 13, 2013
A screen grab of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono\'s official Twitter account. |
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Cipanas.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono launched his official Twitter account on
Saturday, choosing the username @SBYudhoyono for the social media service.
The
president had already attracted more than 130,000 followers on his account by
Saturday afternoon, even without posting a single tweet or following anyone
else.
“For the
first time, President SBY will greet the netizen and will make the [twitter]
world as part of his new life,” Daniel Sparingga, one of the staff members from
the president’s political communication team, said on Saturday at the
president’s palace in Cipanas, West Java.
Daniel said
that Yudhoyono had been wanting to open a Twitter account for two years. He did
not explain why the president only decided to sign up for the social media
service now.
“SBY wants
to become a true netizen,” Daniel said. “He wants to be part of the pulse of
ordinary citizens and immerse himself in a dialogue that is free and equal.
Daniel had
previously said that Yudhoyono was ready to accept the consequences of opening
a Twitter account, harsh criticism included. He remarked that world leaders
must adjust to the present day reality of social media, as such platforms can
enable the public to strategically connect with their governments.
“Yudhoyono
attempts to prevent any disconnection from reality, and receiving sharp
criticism is part of his effort to maintain a connection with his followers,”
Daniel said. “[He] is aware that he will have to respond to both the babble and
the critiques.”
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