Nusantara: Journal Law and Islamic Law
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Nusantara: Journal of Law and Islamic Law

Legal Politics Dynamics in the Era of Digital Democracy: Ensuring Free and Fair Elections in Indonesia’s 2024–2029 Electoral Cycle

Ryan Gunawan (UIN Raden Intan Lampung)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of legal politics in Indonesia’s digital democracy era, with a focus on ensuring free and fair elections. Utilizing a normative juridical approach, data were gathered through statutory analysis of laws, implementing regulations, and judicial decisions, complemented by a conceptual review of legal-political theory, digital democracy, and political party power. In-depth interviews with election organizers and expert validation of instruments provided additional qualitative insights. The analysis reveals that digitalization has transformed political parties’ strategies, shifting power toward those adept at leveraging digital platforms and algorithms to mobilize support. While digital tools have expanded political participation and transparency, they also pose risks of algorithmic manipulation, disinformation, and elitist control of digital spaces. The study identifies institutional weaknesses in party discipline, ideological coherence, and internal democracy that undermine compliance with democratic norms. It highlights the prevalence of pragmatic and opportunistic elite behavior, which leads to selective issue framing and erosion of public trust. To address these challenges, the research proposes strengthening legal frameworks governing digital campaign practices, enhancing party education on democratic values, and improving mechanisms for transparency and accountability in both online and offline political processes. By reinforcing internal party democracy and promoting normative adherence to constitutional mandates, Indonesia can harness digital democracy to uphold electoral integrity and realize the constitutional principle of popular sovereignty.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

nusantara

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

Nusantara: Journal of Law and Islamic Law is a peer-reviewed, open-access scholarly journal dedicated to the advancement of legal scholarship at the intersection of general law and Islamic jurisprudence. The journal aims to foster a rigorous intellectual dialogue between the unique legal traditions ...