By Caroline Katana
Social media platforms have become an integral part of daily life for billions of people, shaping the way they connect and communicate with each other, from urban centers to rural areas, the influence of social media can be felt everywhere.
Indonesia is a country with a rapidly growing digital economy and technology is used in many aspects of Indonesian life, Indonesia has more social media users than Kenya and Indonesians spend more time on social media than Kenyans.
In January 2024 Indonesia had 139 million social media users, while Kenya had 13.05 million, this makes up 49.9 percent of Indonesia’s population and 23.5 percent of Kenya’s population.
Approximately 22.5 percent of Kenyans used the internet in 2023, this is forecast to increase to nearly 39 million by 2028, and mobile internet users were significantly higher which stood at 42.35 million in Kenya.
Indonesia’s internet penetration rate soared to an impressive 77 percent at the onset of 2023, reflecting a significant milestone in the nation’s digital journey, with 212.9 percent million internet users traversing as a dynamic force in the global digital arena.
The top demographics of Indonesian social media users by age comprised a younger audience giving advertisers a clear idea of where to target their efforts, male make up 20 percent of the advertising reach and females 17.7 percent, in the 25- 34 age group, making it the largest segment when it comes to social media usage.
Those in the age bracket of 18-24 years where males account for 13.1 percent and females for 14 percent, and Indonesian users aged 35-44 with males making up 11.5 percent and females 9.3 percent.
Indonesia spends an average of 3 hours and 11 minutes on social media per day and Kenya spends an average of 3 hours and 43 minutes on social media per day.
The most popular social media platforms used in the two countries are WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and TiK ToK.
Indonesia is among the 7 countries implementing a five-year programme known as the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) funded by the Netherlands.
JISRA’s conviction that freedom of religion and belief and interfaith dialogue are essential and integral to the realization of peaceful and just societies, in addition, diverse religious actors, including women and youth play an important role in the process as change-makers. JISRA believes their voices must be heard.
Gusdurian Network Indonesia is an organization implementing the JISRA program through a social media campaign in Indonesia.
Social media and data protection training at KECOSCE offices in Mombasa
During a social media training with Kenyan youth representatives of different community-based organizations at the Kenya Community Support Center (KECOSCE) office in Mombasa county Gusdurian Network Indonesia representative Heru Prasetia said social media has become a powerful tool for communication that reaches masses within a short time.
“Social media is used for raising awareness, encouraging activism, promoting positive causes, empowering the youth to be change-makers in their communities,” said Prasetia.
Mr.Prasetia raised concern over the changes on social media, urging youth and the larger population to adapt to the changes and remain connected for important engagements.
“Social media is always changing, and this is a challenge for the users, not only how people use social media but people should learn about the changes on the platform, there is a need to learn how youth connect and discuss their social issues,” added Prasetia.
Prasetia applauded the Kenya Community Support Centre (KECOSCE) for going the extra mile to support local organizations to implement different projects for the community through the JISRA project.
Gusdurian Network Indonesia representative, Heru Prasetia
“During our visit here in Kenya, we learned a lot from KECOSCE about the JISRA program, the work they are doing is fascinating, they moved beyond interfaith dialogue and tolerance, and we managed to engage with beneficiaries of peace and security project dubbed Punguza Vipanga Jenga Amani project implemented by Green Minds CBO, gender-based violence implemented by Kwale women Desk among other local organization under Participatory Grant Making through JISRA under implemented by Kenya Community Support Centre,” said Prasetia.
Mr. Prasetia also urged youth to use social media to create self-employment to improve their livelihood and achieve their dreams instead of using social media to promote enmity among communities and accelerate violent extremism.
The Gusdurian network representative reiterated that social media platforms provide opportunities to socialize, play, and learn, and can positively impact mental health by helping young people maintain social bonds and stay up to date with family and friends across the globe.
Kijiweni Uplift Youth CBO representative Ishmael Onyango said youth in Kenya are aware of the negative aspects of social media, but they still face challenges with its proper use.
“The things youth do on social media speak volumes, some are not aware that they are insightful like they do it out of ignorance, but if we can have more workshops on social media usage it can be very helpful and shade more light on the Dos and DONTS on social media,” said Onyango.
The positive impact of social media on youth is evident in enhanced communication and connectivity, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Social media platforms provide a wealth of information and educational resources, allowing young people to access diverse perspectives and knowledge.
Onyango noted that youth are aware of the dangers of disinformation, cyberbullying, and hate speech.
Kijiweni Uplift Youth CBO representative, Ishmael Onyango
“Cyberbullying and privacy concerns pose serious risks to young individuals, impacting their emotional well-being and safety,” added Onyango.
According to statistics by the Global Consumer survey, the most common activity on social media between 2014 and 2023 was commenting on posts, 70 percent indicated leaving comments, whereas following people and liking posts by other users received one percentage point less, Three percent mentioned having used social media passively, while just one percent said to have not used it at all.
The signed Letter of Interest (LOI) signifies a significant step in deepening cooperation and strengthening partnerships between Indonesia and Kenya.
With the framework in place, the stage is set for robust collaboration in livestock development, technology transfer, capacity building, and market access.
Indonesia is known for its welcoming hospitality and Indonesians are renowned as some of the friendliest people on the planet.
