Navigating the Data Stream: The Intersection of Digital Politics and Indonesian Foreign Policy in the Era of Big Data

Abstract

In the contemporary landscape of international relations, the fusion of digital politics and big data analytics has emerged as a pivotal force reshaping diplomatic strategies and national foreign policy. This paper delves into the intricate interplay between digital politics and Indonesian foreign policy within the expansive realm of big data. Indonesia is a dynamic archipelago boasting a burgeoning digital ecosystem that serves as an illuminating case study to unravel the multifaceted dynamics of this intersection. In this era of information overload (Wood et al., 1998), big data analytics revolutionized the traditional diplomacy paradigm, offering unprecedented insight into global trends, public sentiment, and policy preferences. Traditionally grounded in diplomatic norms and statecraft, Indonesian foreign policy is now navigating the data stream, leveraging digital technologies to enhance strategic decision-making. The convergence of digital politics and big data has democratized access to information and posed novel challenges, including privacy, misinformation, and algorithmic biases (Boyd, 2008). Against this backdrop, Indonesian policymakers are tasked with crafting nuanced approaches to harness the potential of big data while safeguarding national interest and democratic values. Through a comprehensive analysis of Internet research methods through case studies, policy initiatives, and theoretical frameworks, this paper illuminates the transformative potential of big data in shaping the contours of Indonesian foreign policy. By exploring the synergies between digital politics and diplomatic endeavors, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of international relations in the digital age.