Matthew Christian Aditya
Universitas Cendrawasih

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Political Communication and Local Democracy in Papua: Social Media, Indigenous Identity, and Political Participation Esther Michelle Caroline; Deborah Nathalie; Matthew Christian Aditya
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): April, 2026
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/ev1h0a70

Abstract

Digital communication has created new spaces for political expression among communities in Papua, where questions of Indigenous identity, development, representation, and political rights remain important components of public discourse. This article examines the role of social media in political communication among Indigenous communities in Papua. Using qualitative digital discourse analysis, the study explores political narratives, identity construction, community mobilization, and interactions between local communities and government institutions. The article argues that social media can provide Indigenous communities with alternative channels for communicating political concerns and challenging dominant representations. At the same time, digital communication may intensify polarization when political issues are presented through competing identity-based narratives. The study proposes an Indigenous-centered political communication framework emphasizing community participation, linguistic diversity, contextualized information, and protection of political expression. The article concludes that digital platforms have become increasingly important to democratic participation in Papua but should be understood within the region's distinctive political, cultural, and historical context.