Proceeding ISETH (International Summit on Science, Technology, and Humanity)
2025: Proceeding ISETH (International Summit on Science, Technology, and Humanity)

Image Restoration on TikTok during a Policy Controversy: A Content Analysis on the Free Nutritious Meals Program

Nasywa Muswanda Maqbulloh (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Lelita Azaria Rahmadiva (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
13 Aug 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the image restoration strategies employed by the TikTok account @partaigerindra to restore President Prabowo Subianto's public image during the controversy surrounding the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) Program. Methodology: A qualitative approach is used with a content analysis method based on Benoit's Image Restoration Theory. The data consist of nine TikTok videos related to the MBG program uploaded between January and October 2025. Results: The findings reveal seven image restoration strategies: corrective action, transcendence, mortification, good intentions, bolstering, compensation, and accident. These strategies were communicated through narratives of program evaluation and improvement, public apologies, the promotion of the program's economic and social benefits, the highlighting of program achievements, assistance for affected victims, and the framing of incidents as unexpected events.Applications/Originality/Value: This study extends the application of Image Restoration Theory by examining how a political party uses TikTok to restore the image of a political leader during a public policy controversy. It demonstrates that image restoration is constructed through the integration of verbal, visual, and symbolic narratives to maintain policy legitimacy during a crisis.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

iseth

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Engineering Medicine & Pharmacology Social Sciences Other

Description

The International Summit on Science, Technology and Humanity (ISETH) is organised by Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta. This summit aims to provide a platform for researchers and academics to share their research findings with others and meet lecturers and researchers from other institutions and to ...