The use of social media as a primary source of information and news is widespread in Indonesia. A recent Reuters Institute survey identified the top six social media platforms most frequently used for news access.
WhatsApp topped the list, with 43% of respondents using it for news in early 2025. Although the highest, this represents a 3 percentage point decrease from the 2024 survey.
YouTube followed with 41% usage. Facebook came next, chosen by 39% of respondents – a 4 percentage point increase from 2024.
TikTok also featured prominently, selected by 34% (a 5 percentage point increase). Instagram followed at 31%, up 2 percentage points.
X (formerly Twitter) had the lowest usage at 13%, a slight 1 percentage point increase from the previous year.
According to the Reuters Institute analysis, social media usage surpasses news consumption from print and television, particularly noticeable after Prabowo Subianto's presidential inauguration in October 2024.
The February general election provided a temporary boost to traditional media, but overall interest in all news sources, including online and social media, declined.
The Reuters Institute also highlighted the evolving funding landscape in the Indonesian media industry. While there were no major media closures in 2024, Indonesian media outlets continue to experience declining advertising revenue.
One contributing factor to this revenue slump is the Rp306.7 trillion (US$3.1 billion) cut in government funding for the free nutritious school meals program (MBG).
"This has had an unforeseen impact on the health of news organizations, as national and provincial government advertising has dried up," wrote the Reuters Institute in its Digital News Report 2025, cited on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
For context, the Digital News Report 2025 for Indonesia surveyed 2,028 respondents online in January-February 2025. A total of 97,055 individuals were surveyed across various countries this year.
(Read: Old Media Still Widely Accessed by Indonesian Citizens)