The urgency of an early warning system for social conflict by using WhatsApp

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to use integrated information technology to demonstrate the importance of the Early Warning System (EWS) for social conflicts that involve public participation. This study used a mixed-methods approach. A total of 267 respondents were involved. Data were collected using a questionnaire covering household socio-demographic characteristics, smartphone use, religious tolerance, inter-ethnic tolerance, social cohesion, social capital and participation in conflict prevention. The Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was carried out in four villages involving 12 people. The majority of respondents in this survey fall into the medium and high category when it comes to the respondents' inclination in the five variables: smartphone use, social capital, inter-ethnic tolerance, religious tolerance and social cohesion.  It was found that participation in conflict prevention in society is in a low category. Enhancing public engagement in conflict prevention needs the immediate implementation of EWS for social conflict early detection through public involvement.  The Android application particularly WhatsApp group can be used to create EWS at the village level at a low cost. Village leaders who serve to assess the village's vulnerability level can be involved in this process.   Finally, all stakeholders can use the study's findings as a basis for developing policies related to the use of WhatsApp to reduce disputes in places susceptible to conflict.