The widespread use of social media platforms provides fertile ground for anti-corruption movements, allowing citizens to engage, report corruption and hold public officials accountable, according to the director of the Center for Criminal Accounting Studies at the Islamic University of Indonesia.

At a recent anti-corruption seminar, Dr Hendi Yogi Prabowo highlighted how information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become essential tools for promoting transparency, accountability and public engagement in the fight against corruption.

Prabowo said that with more than 256 million people, Indonesia is fast becoming one of the largest digital markets globally. In 2016, 51.8% of the population were internet users, and 97.4% of them used social media platforms.

Prabowo pointed out that social media platforms such as Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, have facilitated public discourse around high-profile corruption cases.

For example, public reactions to the arrest of Bengkulu Governor Ridwan Mukti for corruption were analyzed through 300 tweets, revealing strong condemnation of the incident, focusing in particular on the alleged involvement of his wife.

The avid interest in the Mukti case reflects a growing public demand for accountability and transparency among public officials.

Prabowo developed the concept of behavioral forensics, which examines human behaviors that contribute to corrupt practices.

He said that by understanding the motivations behind these behaviors, activists can tailor their messages to resonate with audiences, thereby fostering a culture of integrity.

His research indicates that the perceived costs of engaging in corrupt acts—such as guilt, shame, and societal backlash—can outweigh the short-term benefits.

Data presented by Prabowo indicate that corruption offenders in Indonesia mainly include members of regional and central parliaments (20 percent) and various levels of government (23 percent).

This distribution underscores the widespread nature of corruption and the urgent need to combat it.

According to Prabowo, traditional media play a crucial role in promoting accountability by investigating and reporting corruption.

He said the media can amplify the public’s voice, drawing attention to violations and encouraging a culture of accountability.

Prabowo noted that media coverage can encourage public condemnation of corrupt actions, creating a deterrent effect against future wrongdoing.

Looking ahead, Prabowo emphasized the need to optimize the potential of social media in various dimensions of anti-corruption efforts, including prevention, detection and investigation.

He emphasized the importance of public participation and education, noting that a well-informed citizenry is vital to effective anti-corruption strategies.

Prabowo said technological advances in areas such as data analysis and visualization can improve the ability to track and investigate corruption cases. Using tools such as NVivo 11, a qualitative research program, to analyze social media conversations exemplifies how technology can provide insights into public sentiment and the dynamics of corruption discussions.

By harnessing the vast potential of digital platforms, activists and citizens can mobilize collective action, share information and demand accountability from their leaders, Prabowo said.