SBY Launches Twitter Account

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.”