cover
Contact Name
Hasrul Hanif
Contact Email
hhanif@ugm.ac.id
Phone
+6281225257526
Journal Mail Official
pcd@ugm.ac.id
Editorial Address
Room BA 403, 4th Floor, FISIPOL UGM Building, Bulaksumur, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia 55281
Location
Kab. sleman,
Daerah istimewa yogyakarta
INDONESIA
Power, Conflict and Democracy Journal
ISSN : 20850433     EISSN : 20850441     DOI : https://doi.org/ 10.22146/pcd
Core Subject : Humanities, Social,
PCD Journal is an initiative to promote works and reports written in high-quality academic standard on the dynamics of power, conflict, and democracy in developing countries, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. Themes on practices of human rights, popular representation, and participatory-based public policy are amongst the interests of the initiative. It is considered that there is a serious lack of scholarly publishers within this geographical area and within these thematic fields, partly, due to the colonial pattern in international publication. PCD Publication seeks to alter the condition. The main discipline area of the initiative is social sciences with sub-discipline areas in political science, human geography, and political anthropology. We invite concerned scholars and experts in related themes to share and discuss their research, knowledge, and works in academically equal spirit. The published works and reports in PCD Journal are under the condition of having to pass through the peer review system, involving international academics and experts. PCD Journal is set up as a network project, currently, involving Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia, the University Colombo in Sri Lanka, and the University of Oslo in Norway. Demos Indonesia (the Indonesian Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies), the Social Scientists’ Association of Sri Lanka, and the International Centre for Ethnic Studies, Sri Lanka, are added into the collaboration. PCD Journal is currently managed by Department of Politics and Government, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (DPP UGM). Operationally, it is managed by DPP UGM research and publication unit, named as PolGov (Research Centre for Politics and Government). This management is continuing what has been respectably initiated by the Centre for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS UGM)
Articles 76 Documents
Pre-Election Dynamics in Yogyakarta Rossa, Sherlly; Efendi, Muhammad Sidik; Amilia, Lenny Aurelia; Syahadah, Muhammad Ali; Panuntun, Stefanus Ega Panji
PCD Journal Vol 13 No 2 (2025): PCD Journal Vol. 13 No. 2 2025
Publisher : PCD Press, Department of Politics and Government - Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.22146/pcd.v13i2.21119

Abstract

This study examines electoral conflict dynamics in Indonesia's Yogyakarta Special Region, which is identified as the second-most vulnerable region nationally, with a score of 63.67% on the 2024 Election Vulnerability Index (Indeks Kerawanan Pemilu/IKP). A significant driver of this vulnerability is the recurrent conflict among political party-affiliated groups or grassroots organisations (often referred to as "underbows"), which tends to escalate during election periods. This research aims to analyse the historical context and decompose the core factors contributing to these conflicts. It also seeks to formulate a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder roadmap for conflict mitigation ahead of the 2024 general elections. Employing a qualitative, phenomenological approach, the study is theoretically grounded in Paul Wehr's (2019) conflict anatomy framework and the patron–client political-economic perspectives developed by Gerry van Klinken & Ward Berenschot (2018). Our findings reveal five key conflict triggers: historical legacies, personal rivalries, "black campaigns" by political parties, ambiguous security strategies, and entrenched political-economic interests. This research contributes to scientific knowledge by applying and extending conflict anatomy and patron-client theories to the specific context of Indonesian sub-national electoral violence, providing a nuanced understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Based on these insights, we propose practical resolutions, including enhancing civic political education, strengthening law enforcement, and strategically mapping vulnerable areas. These evidence-based recommendations are critical for fostering a more peaceful, participatory, and democratic electoral environment in Yogyakarta.
A Critical Analysis of Collaborative Approaches Rukmana, Fitriana Arum Dita
PCD Journal Vol 13 No 2 (2025): PCD Journal Vol. 13 No. 2 2025
Publisher : PCD Press, Department of Politics and Government - Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.22146/pcd.v13i2.21258

Abstract

This article analyses the critical collaboration between the civil community and the government. Forum Komunitas Sungai Sleman (FKSS), in association with the Environmental Agency of Sleman regency, endeavors to resolve the environmental issue of river water pollution that occurs around Sleman regency. This collaboration between was analysed by looking at the critical engagement of FKSS and employing social movement theory. This theory is relevant because it explains how collective community actions can influence policy and governance processes. River water pollution is a persistent environmental issue in many developing regions, including Indonesia, where local community involvement in governance is still limited. This article employs a case study research method and follows qualitative research principles. Data for this study were collected through observation, interviews, and a review with relevant literature. The interviews were conducted with six participants. The research concludes that FKSS functions not as a governmental instrument for issue resolution but as a cooperative partner in governance. FKSS also granted specific authority to engage in the decision-making process, collaborate as a governmental partner, and critically evaluate governmental policies. The findings provide insight for policymakers seeking to strengthen community-based environmental governance.
Constructing HEIs Performance Aditama, Nugroho Prasetyo
PCD Journal Vol 13 No 2 (2025): PCD Journal Vol. 13 No. 2 2025
Publisher : PCD Press, Department of Politics and Government - Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.22146/pcd.v13i2.23255

Abstract

This study analyses how higher education institutions (HEIs) performance is constructed within the 2020–2021 Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) policy, within the context of the strengthening of neoliberal ideology in Indonesian higher education. Using Norman Fairclough's critical discourse analysis approach, this study examines five policy documents and elaborates on them with interviews with five MBKM student participants. NVIVO was used as a tool to facilitate in-depth analysis of the analysed aspects. The results show that the MBKM policy frames HEIs as institutions that support economic growth through discursive representations that emphasise neoliberal logic, such as efficiency, competitiveness, and industrial relevance. Terms such as "independence" and "selling point" are widely used and operated symbolically, obscuring ideological dominance and limiting the autonomy of higher education actors. Indikator Kinerja Utama (IKU) system serves as an instrument for disciplining institutions through the performative construction of HEIs through a series of indicators aligned with neoliberal values. This study emphasise that higher education policy is not neutral but rather part of a social practice shaped by the interests of state actors, industry, and international financial institutions. Therefore, evaluation of HEIs performance needs to include an ideological reading, so that higher education can be returned to a liberating socio-academic role, rather than simply serving market interests.
Do Santri Still Obey the Kiai? Ayu Amanda A’isyatul Khumairo’
PCD Journal Vol 13 No 2 (2025): PCD Journal Vol. 13 No. 2 2025
Publisher : PCD Press, Department of Politics and Government - Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.22146/pcd.v13i2.23363

Abstract

Amid narratives of Generation Z’s heightened political awareness through internet access, this study examines a specific subset: santri in Islamic boarding schools—Muslim groups with limited access to the internet to engage in online political discourse. They are frequently characterised as merely a traditional group, and prior studies have largely attributed their political choices to the authority of the kiai (pesantren leaders). To revisit this assumption, the study was conducted in two contrasting Islamic boarding school traditions: traditional and modern. It investigates five potential influences on santri voting behaviour in Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Election: kiai, teachers (ustaz/ustazah), peer groups, political promises, and evaluations of the Joko Widodo–Ma’ruf Amin government. This study, employing mixed methods, reveals that, contrary to previous studies, kiai exert no significant influence. Instead, teachers shape political preferences through classroom discussions, which also enable students to critically evaluate the Jokowi–Ma’ruf government. These findings enhance the diversity within the field of voting behaviour studies in religion communities with limited internet access while challenging assumptions about Generation Z’s short-term political outlook. The findings also extend voting behavior theory in the context of religious communities with restricted internet access.
Negotiating Solidarity Mohamed Fouz Mohamed Zacky
PCD Journal Vol 13 No 2 (2025): PCD Journal Vol. 13 No. 2 2025
Publisher : PCD Press, Department of Politics and Government - Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.22146/pcd.v13i2.24701

Abstract

In a recent study, Huberman (2025) argues that Latin American leftist governments, despite expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause, are constrained by the global order and the capitalist system in further deepening its strategic influence on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Drawing on this insight, the present study examines how Sri Lanka’s newly elected National People’s Power (NPP)-led government has responded to the ongoing Israeli occupation and genocide in Gaza. Similar to cases in Latin America, the Sri Lankan context is particularly pertinent given the NPP’s left-leaning orientation. This study argues that, despite the party’s anti-imperialist ideological commitment to the Palestinian cause, the NPP largely replicates the trajectory of previous administrations—reaffirming support for Palestinian self-determination while simultaneously pursuing strategic engagement with Israel. Crucially, the government has refrained from adopting substantive measures to alter this established pattern, even amid global condemnation of Israel’s disproportionate bombardment of Gaza. A key factor constraining its response is Sri Lanka’s economic vulnerability. Finally, beyond supporting international resolutions, the study recommends that the government clearly articulate its opposition to Israel’s ongoing military assault in Gaza and implement concrete measures—such as ensuring that tourism, trade, and other exchanges even do not indirectly support the Israeli illegal occupation of Palestine.
Social Media and Social Movement Baihaqi, Rafi
PCD Journal Vol 13 No 2 (2025): PCD Journal Vol. 13 No. 2 2025
Publisher : PCD Press, Department of Politics and Government - Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.22146/pcd.v13i2.24936

Abstract

This study analyses the strategies of the Orang Tua Bergerak movement in advocating against the alleged wrongful arrest in the Gedongkuning klitih case of 2022 by employing both digital (online) and direct (offline) methods. Using a qualitative approach and content analysis, this study identifies the strategic and communicative practices developed by the movement in collaboration with cross-movement actors. The findings reveal three key points. First, Orang Tua Bergerak utilised social media platforms, including Instagram, X, and Facebook, to disseminate digital posters, online writings, petitions, and documentary videos. These outputs incorporated injustice framing, aimed at mobilising broader solidarity and drawing attention from diverse movements. Second, the participation of cross-movement networks amplified public sympathy and encouraged the circulation of injustice narratives, which increased societal awareness of the Gedongkuning incident. Third, the heightened public attention was strategically leveraged by Orang Tua Bergerak to conduct direct advocacy at local and national levels, including hearings, discussions, and the Kamisan protest. These findings show how digital mobilisation complements direct action in sustaining advocacy and amplifying social justice campaigns. This study contributes theoretically by conceptualising the transition from digital activism to direct collective action within hybrid social movement frameworks.