Public Opinion Formation on Social Networks: An Analysis of Twitter Hashtags about the Indonesian Government's Policies During Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

President Joko Widodo issued a lockdown PPKM policy the community during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. The problem with the lockdown policy PPKM set by President Joko Widodo is increasingly disturbing the Indonesian economy. Therefore, this study aims to explain public opinion through hashtags on Twitter about the Lockdown PPKM policy in overcoming the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia. This study uses a qualitative approach. This study uses NVIVO 12 plus in analyzing data. The data source for this research is trending hashtags on Twitter about the lockdown policy PPKM. Data collection time June 2021 to the end of September 2021. The findings in this study are public opinion content through hashtags on Twitter about the Lockdown policy PPKM that links the involvement of President Joko Widodo. The reason is that this policy is inseparable from the decision of President Joko Widodo. Moreover, the content in the hashtag explains the disruption of the community's economy due to the lockdown PPKM policy so that people need social assistance. Public opinion narratives about the lockdown PPKM policy are still related to economic problems. Furthermore, Joko Widodo's version of the Lockdown PPKM policy has divided the community into two: those who support it because COVID-19 can be overcome and those who do not support it because of the disruption of community activities in meeting economic needs.