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COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA People’s Empowerment, Rights, Human Advocacy, and Legal Knowledge Initiative (PERHAKI) Division Editorial Office: Karanganyar 003/001, Pekutan, Mirit, Kab. Kebumen, Jawa Tengah
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INDONESIA
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements
ISSN : -     EISSN : 31646859     DOI : https://doi.org/10.65815
Core Subject :
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements (e-ISSN: 3164-6859) is published by COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA, issued four times a year in January, April, July, and October, and was first published in 2024. It is a double anonymous peer-reviewed academic journal focusing on the relationship between communication, democracy, and political movements in Indonesia. The journal publishes scholarly works examining political discourse, media and communication, democratic processes, civil society, political participation, social and digital media, political mobilization, and social and political movements. It also welcomes interdisciplinary studies addressing the intersection of communication with culture, religion, politics, and governance, including issues related to media freedom, government influence, and digital communication. The journal encourages theoretical, empirical, and case-based studies that contribute to understanding the role of communication in shaping political discourse and democratic development. It publishes original research articles, review articles, and other scholarly works relevant to its scope. The journal applies an Open Access Policy, providing free and immediate access to published articles. Copyright is retained by the authors, and articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.
Arjuna Subject : -
Articles 55 Documents
Communication of COVID-19 Policies and Public Trust: The Indonesian Government’s Messaging and Public Response Haqi Bima Setiawan
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 1 No. 3 (2024): July, 2024
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/t2cwcw41

Abstract

This study examines the communication strategies used by the Indonesian government to disseminate COVID-19 policies and explores how these messages shaped public trust and compliance during the pandemic. The Indonesian government faced the dual challenge of managing a public health crisis while maintaining political legitimacy in a diverse and decentralized society. Effective communication was crucial for ensuring public understanding of health protocols, vaccine campaigns, and mobility restrictions, yet the government’s messaging was often contested due to inconsistent information, politicization, and varying levels of public confidence. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzes official government communications, press conferences, public service announcements, and social media posts, complemented by survey data and public opinion reports to assess public responses and trust levels. The findings indicate that clarity, consistency, and transparency in government messaging were key determinants of public trust, while contradictory statements and perceived lack of accountability eroded confidence and increased skepticism. The study also finds that digital platforms played a significant role in shaping public reception, as misinformation and competing narratives influenced how citizens interpreted policy directives. The novelty of this research lies in its integrated examination of policy communication and trust dynamics within Indonesia’s pandemic governance, bridging health communication, political communication, and crisis management. The contribution of the study is to provide empirical evidence on how government messaging affects democratic legitimacy and citizen compliance during crises, highlighting the importance of credible communication in sustaining public trust. The study concludes that strengthening crisis communication requires institutional coordination, consistent messaging, and proactive engagement with communities, and recommends enhancing transparency, media literacy, and participatory communication mechanisms to rebuild public trust in Indonesia’s post-pandemic governance.
Fake News, Moral Panic, and Political Mobilization: A Case Study of Indonesia’s Election Cycles Naufal Ahsan Syahputra; Brian Antonio
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 1 No. 3 (2024): July, 2024
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/texfr132

Abstract

This study examines the interplay between fake news, moral panic, and political mobilization during Indonesia’s election cycles, focusing on how misinformation campaigns trigger emotional public responses and influence democratic participation. As Indonesia’s electoral landscape becomes increasingly mediated through digital platforms, fake news has become a recurrent feature of political contestation, often provoking moral panic that amplifies social anxieties around religion, ethnicity, and national identity. This research analyzes how misinformation is framed and disseminated, how it generates collective fear and moral outrage, and how these affect voter behavior, public discourse, and political mobilization. Using a qualitative case study approach, the study analyzes circulating fake news narratives, social media interactions, news media coverage, and public reactions across several election periods. The findings reveal that fake news often employs symbolic and identity-based frames that resonate with existing social fears, leading to moral panic that legitimizes heightened political activism and polarization. In many cases, moral panic functions as a catalyst for mobilization, as citizens and political actors engage in rapid collective action to defend perceived moral and national values. However, the study also finds that moral panic can distort democratic deliberation, marginalize minority groups, and undermine trust in electoral institutions. The novelty of this research lies in its integrated conceptualization of fake news and moral panic as intertwined mechanisms of political mobilization in Indonesia, rather than treating them as separate phenomena. The study contributes to political communication and democratization scholarship by demonstrating how misinformation-driven moral panic shapes electoral politics and civic engagement. It concludes that addressing fake news requires not only fact-checking but also strengthening media literacy, promoting inclusive political narratives, and enhancing institutional transparency to prevent manipulation and protect democratic stability.
Freedom of Expression under Pressure: The Discourse Surrounding Indonesia’s Anti-Hate Speech Laws Ammar Iqbal Suryanto; Thalib Setiawan Ramdhani; Indah Sari Putri
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 1 No. 3 (2024): July, 2024
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/ym9tm674

Abstract

This study examines the discourse surrounding Indonesia’s anti-hate speech laws and its implications for freedom of expression, democratic pluralism, and state legitimacy. In recent years, Indonesia has witnessed an intensification of legal measures aimed at regulating hate speech, motivated by concerns over rising social tensions, identity-based conflict, and online misinformation. However, these laws have also sparked debates regarding potential restrictions on civil liberties, political dissent, and media freedom. This research analyzes how different actors—government officials, civil society organizations, media professionals, and public commentators—frame the anti-hate speech laws in public discourse, and how these frames influence perceptions of democratic rights and legal legitimacy. Employing qualitative discourse analysis, the study examines legal texts, parliamentary debates, policy statements, media coverage, and social media conversations to identify dominant narratives and counter-narratives. The findings reveal competing discursive frames: proponents emphasize public order, national unity, and protection of vulnerable groups, while critics argue that the laws may be used to suppress dissent, criminalize criticism, and consolidate state control over political speech. The analysis also highlights the role of moral and religious language in legitimizing regulatory measures, as well as the strategic use of legal ambiguity to expand state authority. The novelty of this study lies in its focus on discourse as a political battleground where freedom of expression is negotiated, rather than treating the laws solely as legal instruments. The study contributes to political communication and human rights scholarship by demonstrating how discursive strategies shape the legitimacy and public acceptance of speech regulation. It concludes that protecting freedom of expression requires clearer legal definitions, transparent enforcement mechanisms, and inclusive public deliberation to balance social cohesion with democratic rights, and recommends strengthening independent oversight and civic education to prevent abuse of anti-hate speech regulations.
Satire as Political Communication: Memes, Humor, and Resistance in Indonesian Political Movements Ihsan Rafli Pratama; Ahmad Sasongko
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 1 No. 3 (2024): July, 2024
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/e0w9rp97

Abstract

This study investigates satire as a form of political communication within Indonesian political movements, focusing on how memes, humor, and satirical expression function as tools of resistance and civic engagement in digital and public spaces. In Indonesia’s evolving democratic context, satire has become increasingly prominent as a means for citizens to critique political elites, challenge state narratives, and navigate restrictions on dissent. This research examines how satirical content is produced, circulated, and interpreted, and how it contributes to political mobilization, identity formation, and democratic participation. Using a qualitative approach, the study analyzes a corpus of political memes, satirical videos, online commentaries, and protest performances from selected political movements, alongside interviews with activists and content creators. The findings show that satire operates through layered communication strategies, including irony, parody, and exaggeration, enabling audiences to engage with political issues in accessible and emotionally resonant ways. Satirical content also facilitates collective identity and solidarity by creating shared cultural references and enabling symbolic resistance against perceived injustice. However, the study also identifies potential risks, such as the normalization of cynicism, reinforcement of echo chambers, and misinterpretation that may escalate polarization or undermine serious policy debate. The novelty of this research lies in its systematic examination of satire as a deliberate political strategy rather than mere entertainment, integrating theories of humor, digital media, and social movements within the Indonesian setting. The contribution of the study is to advance understanding of how humorous communication shapes political discourse and participation, offering empirical insights into the democratic potential and limitations of satire in contemporary movements. The study concludes that satire can strengthen civic engagement when combined with factual information and inclusive dialogue, and recommends supporting media literacy and critical consumption of satirical content to enhance democratic resilience.
Democracy and Digital Publics: Indonesia as a Case Study for Emerging Democracies in the Global South Zidan Alfarizi
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 1 No. 3 (2024): July, 2024
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/e3hz8979

Abstract

This study examines Indonesia as a case study for understanding the relationship between democracy and digital publics in emerging democracies of the Global South. As digital platforms become central arenas for political communication, public deliberation, and civic mobilization, Indonesia’s complex socio-political landscape—characterized by religious diversity, regional disparities, and a history of democratic transition—offers a critical context for exploring how digital publics shape democratic trajectories. This research investigates how online spaces facilitate political participation, identity formation, and collective action, while also generating challenges such as misinformation, polarization, and digital inequality. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines content analysis of social media discourse with qualitative interviews of digital activists, journalists, and civil society actors to capture both structural dynamics and lived experiences within Indonesia’s digital public sphere. The findings reveal that digital publics in Indonesia function as double-edged platforms: they expand access to political information and mobilize civic engagement, yet also amplify divisive narratives and reproduce socio-economic inequalities. The study further identifies the significant role of algorithmic curation, platform governance, and state regulation in shaping the visibility and legitimacy of political voices. The novelty of this research lies in its comparative and context-sensitive framework, positioning Indonesia as an illustrative example of how digital publics interact with democratic institutions in the Global South rather than applying Western-centric models. The contribution of the study is to provide a nuanced conceptualization of digital democracy that accounts for local political cultures, technological infrastructures, and power asymmetries. It concludes that strengthening democratic outcomes in digital publics requires inclusive digital literacy, transparent platform accountability, and participatory governance mechanisms that protect freedom of expression while mitigating online harms. The study recommends multi-stakeholder collaboration to build resilient digital public spheres that support democratic consolidation in emerging democracies.
Islam, Identity, and Democracy: The Discursive Construction of Political Islam in Indonesia Elang Dwi Putra; Alex Budi Kurniawan; Miftahul Jannatil Firdaus
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 1 No. 4 (2024): October, 2024
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/g7q7jt19

Abstract

This study investigates how political Islam is discursively constructed in Indonesia, focusing on the interplay between Islam, identity politics, and democratic norms. While Indonesia is often portrayed as a model of moderate Islam within a democratic framework, the rise of identity-based political mobilization has challenged the stability of democratic pluralism. This research analyzes how Islamic political actors, religious institutions, and public intellectuals employ discourse to define Islam’s role in state and society, shape collective identities, and influence democratic participation. Using a qualitative discourse analysis of political speeches, media narratives, party platforms, and online public debates, the study examines the linguistic and rhetorical strategies that construct political Islam as both a moral authority and a political project. The findings reveal that political Islam is articulated through competing discursive frames, including civic Islam, conservative Islam, and populist Islam, each of which draws on religious symbolism, historical narratives, and moral legitimacy to mobilize support. These frames interact with democratic discourses, producing tensions between inclusion and exclusion, citizenship and religiosity, and constitutional pluralism and majoritarianism. The study highlights how identity is not a fixed attribute but a negotiated political resource that is continually reshaped through discourse. The novelty of this research lies in its contextualized analysis of political Islam as a discursive field rather than a monolithic ideology, emphasizing the fluidity of identity construction in Indonesia’s democratic context. The contribution of the study is to provide an empirical framework for understanding how Islamic discourse influences democratic processes, offering insights for scholars and policymakers on navigating identity politics and sustaining democratic pluralism. It concludes that democratic resilience depends on the capacity to foster inclusive discourses that accommodate religious identity without undermining constitutional democracy.
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Political Discourse During Indonesia's 2019 Presidential Election Karel Jaya Saputra
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 1 No. 4 (2024): October, 2024
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/21etd529

Abstract

This study investigates the transformative role of social media platforms in shaping political discourse during the 2019 Indonesian Presidential Election. As Indonesia represents one of the world's largest digital demographics, the 2019 electoral cycle served as a critical flashpoint for digital politics, characterized by an unprecedented reliance on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (now X), and WhatsApp for political mobilization. Employing a qualitative framework supplemented by digital discourse analysis, this paper examines three primary phenomena: the proliferation of "hoax" news (fake news), the deepening of political polarization, and the engineering of public opinion. The findings reveal that while social media democratized political participation by providing a space for grassroots campaigning, it simultaneously acted as a catalyst for hyper-partisan "echo chambers." The study highlights how the strategic use of "buzzers" (coordinated social media amplifiers) and automated bots exacerbated the divide between the supporters of Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto. Furthermore, the research analyzes the role of identity politics in digital spaces, noting how misinformation was often weaponized to appeal to religious and nationalistic sentiments. The results suggest that the unregulated spread of disinformation significantly undermined the quality of deliberative democracy in Indonesia, leading to high levels of social friction that persisted long after the polls closed. This paper concludes that while social media is a potent tool for civic engagement, its susceptibility to manipulation poses a structural threat to electoral integrity, necessitating more robust digital literacy and platform accountability in future democratic cycles.
Democracy in the Digital Age: The Impact of Digital Activism on Indonesia’s Political Movements Raihan Ananda Kurnia
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 1 No. 4 (2024): October, 2024
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/1127v736

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of democratic participation in Indonesia through the lens of digital activism, focusing on how social media platforms have redefined the landscape of political movements. As the "Digital Age" reshapes traditional power dynamics, platforms such as Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram have emerged as vital conduits for grassroots mobilization and civic advocacy. Utilizing a multi-dimensional analysis of recent Indonesian political movements, this research explores the dual-edged nature of digital tools in a consolidating democracy. On one hand, the study highlights how digital activism has successfully bypassed traditional media gatekeepers, enabling rapid-response movements related to legislative changes, corruption reform, and environmental protection. On the other hand, it critically assesses the increasing challenges of government control, including the strategic use of the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law to curb dissent and the rise of "digital repression" through surveillance and coordinated cyber-attacks. The findings indicate that while digital activism has significantly lowered the barriers to political entry for Indonesia’s youth, it has also triggered a sophisticated counter-reaction from state and elite actors. The paper argues that the resulting environment is one of "contested digital spaces," where the struggle for free speech is constantly balanced against state-led narratives and algorithmic manipulation. Ultimately, this research concludes that the impact of digital activism on Indonesian democracy is profound yet precarious; it serves as a powerful instrument for accountability while remaining vulnerable to legislative overreach and digital authoritarianism.
Political Communication in Indonesia’s Regional Elections: Voter Engagement and Media Influence Saka Prasetyo
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 1 No. 4 (2024): October, 2024
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/asmmrh43

Abstract

This study explores the dynamics of political communication strategies within the context of Indonesia’s regional elections (Pilkada), examining how mediated messaging influences voter behavior and civic engagement. In Indonesia’s decentralized political system, regional elections serve as a critical arena for diverse communication tactics, ranging from traditional oratory to sophisticated digital media campaigns. The research employs a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the efficacy of three primary communication pillars: mass media advertisements, strategic political speeches, and localized social media outreach. By analyzing case studies from diverse provinces, the paper investigates the correlation between candidate messaging and voter perception. The findings suggest that while traditional media and public speeches remain vital for establishing "political personae" and regional legitimacy, there is an increasing shift toward data-driven digital campaigning to target the millennial and Gen Z demographic. Furthermore, the study assesses the impact of "pork barrel" narratives and populist rhetoric in regional political discourse. The results indicate that localized media influence plays a decisive role in swing voter decision-making, though its effectiveness is often mediated by existing patronage networks and local identity politics. The paper concludes that political communication in Indonesia’s Pilkada is undergoing a hybrid transformation; success is no longer dictated solely by party machinery but by the ability to synchronize grassroots linguistic nuances with modern media aesthetics. These insights offer a broader understanding of how decentralized democracies navigate the complexities of political persuasion in a fragmented media environment.
From Reformasi to ‘Masa Depan’: The Evolving Role of Student Movements in Indonesian Politics Bima Ardhana
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 1 No. 4 (2024): October, 2024
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/a2drp256

Abstract

This research provides a longitudinal analysis of student movements in Indonesia, tracing their evolution from the 1998 Reformasi period to contemporary socio-political protests. Historically recognized as the "moral force" of the nation, Indonesian students have played a pivotal role in major political transitions. This paper examines how the strategies, ideologies, and organizational structures of these movements have adapted to the changing democratic landscape of the post-Suharto era. The study utilizes a comparative historical framework to analyze key protest cycles, including the 1998 fall of the New Order and the recent "Reformasi Dikorupsi" (Reform Corrupted) and "Omnibus Law" protests. The findings reveal a significant shift in activism dynamics: while the 1998 movement was characterized by physical occupation of state institutions and centralized leadership, contemporary movements leverage digital platforms for decentralized mobilization and horizontal networking. Furthermore, the research explores the transition from purely structural demands to more diverse advocacy issues, including environmental rights, legislative transparency, and gender equality. Despite these advancements, the paper identifies emerging challenges to student-led democratic development, such as political co-optation, internal fragmentation, and the increasing securitization of campus spaces. The study concludes that while the "Masa Depan" (future) of student activism remains a potent check and balance against executive overreach, its long-term influence depends on its ability to bridge the gap between digital discourse and sustainable grassroots organizing. This evolution reflects the broader complexities of Indonesia’s democratic consolidation and the enduring legacy of student agency in national politics.