The fact that Indonesia first initiated the forum on the topic of digital diplomacy is definitely something to be proud of. It required many considerations to make this forum a success regardless of the political situations at the domestic, regional and even global levels. Unexpectedly, all delegates appeared enthusiastic about the issue.

Digital diplomacy is often interpreted simply as diplomatic activities through the use of digital technology. However, the rationale behind the RCDD forum was that digital technology is a diplomatic tool.

Digital technology has also had positive and negative impacts on diplomatic activities and diplomats per se. Whether these are good or bad effects the government acknowledges that digital technology has huge prospects and challenges with regard to diplomacy.

World leaders have utilized social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram not only to disseminate information to the public, but also to engage with the public and even to influence other leaders and public opinion, with objectives in accordance with each party’s interests.

United States President Donald Trump has utilized his Twitter account @realDonaldTrump to post almost anything that crosses his mind, especially related to US interests, challenges and policies, such as US trade policy with China, US nuclear negotiation with North Korea, his views on Mexico or Russia, and so on. His followers on Twitter amount to 64 million and his tweets even impact domestic and global financial markets.

Unlike Trump, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has utilized Instagram (@jokowi) more often to show the public what the government has done in many aspects and areas in Indonesia, or to share about day-to-day activities including his relationships with other leaders, his Cabinet, his efforts to promote national peace and so on.