Digital Media Technology as an Instrument for Promotion and Political Marketing in the Era of Industrial Revolution 4.0

The development of digital media technology is a historical necessity. All dimensions of human life require digital technology interventions. Economic, educational, cultural, social, and political dimensions. Especially in the political aspect, the election of Regional Heads such as governors, regents, and mayors also requires a touch of digital technology. Candidates for the Regional Head promote and market themselves also through digital media, especially social media. The focus of this study is to elaborate on the use of advances in social media technology in the selection of regional head elections in East Java Province, Indonesia. This research employed a qualitative approach with case study research method. Informants of the research were from the core executive board of the PDI-Perjuangan from the national level (Central Board) going down to branch levels (Branch Board) as well as mayor candidates having been nominated by the PDI-Perjuangan. The findings of this study are that the use of social media to promote and market regional head candidates is essential. Social media platforms are used, such as whatapps, facebook, instagram, line, and website. But in practice, they also still use collaboration with face-to-face media.