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Online activism not dead yet as netizens expose wealthy officials
At a time when many people are becoming increasingly skeptical that Internet activism matters and can bring about positive changes, the seemingly organic online mobilization to expose the extravagant lifestyles of public officials has given a glimmer of hope that not all is lost with the democratic potential of social media.
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Tax official Rafael Alun Trisambodo (right) arrives at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in Jakarta, March 1, 2023 to attend a questioning on his suspicious wealth. In his latest official report he filed with the KPK, Rafael’s net worth was Rp 56.1 billion (US$3.7 million). (Antara/Aprillio Akbar)
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t a time when many people are becoming increasingly sceptical that Internet activism matters and can bring about positive changes, the seemingly organic online mobilization to expose the extravagant lifestyles of public officials has given a glimmer of hope that not all is lost with the democratic potential of social media.
At least three public officials, former tax official Rafael Alun Trisambodo, former Yogyakarta Customs and Excise Office head Eko Darmanto and Makassar Customs and Excise Office head Andhi Pramono, are currently being investigated for suspected corruption and money laundering after being exposed by social media users.
Their cases have increased pressure on the government, particularly the Finance Ministry, to impose meaningful reform on state institutions in charge of collecting and managing state revenues. The government responded to the public pressure, which was initiated online, with a renewed drive to crack down on suspiciously wealthy public officials and their predilection for flaunting their wealth on social media.
Too late, too little
The government’s failure to swiftly address public resentment when the Rafael case first went viral angered the online community, according to Yanuar Nugroho, a visiting senior fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS, Yusof Ishak Institute.
“The government waited for days to address the case after it went viral […] It was too late to say something when the negative sentiment was already shaped,” said Yanuar, who served as former deputy chief of staff to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo during the latter’s first term in office.
