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Ria Wulansarie
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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
Digital Democracy or Digital Authoritarianism? A Critical Look at Communication and Governance Under Indonesia’s Jokowi Administration Kirana Ayu Pratiwi; Ria Puspa Dewi
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): July, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/k403he17

Abstract

The increasing integration of digital platforms into state governance and political communication has generated new tensions between democratic openness and authoritarian control. This study critically examines how President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) administration has deployed digital technologies for political communication, public engagement, and governance, and assesses whether these practices strengthen democratic participation or contribute to emerging forms of digital authoritarianism in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative approach, the research analyzes official social media content, government digital initiatives, policy documents, and media reports to map the communication strategies and governance mechanisms implemented during the Jokowi era. The findings reveal a dual trajectory: on one hand, digital platforms have been utilized to enhance government transparency, public service delivery, and citizen participation through initiatives such as public feedback mechanisms and information dissemination; on the other hand, the administration has also relied on digital surveillance, narrative management, and regulatory measures that may restrict online dissent and concentrate informational power. The study identifies a growing institutional capacity to shape public opinion through algorithmic visibility, coordinated messaging, and the co-optation of digital influencers, which raises concerns about the narrowing of democratic space. The urgency of this research lies in the rapid digitalization of governance and the lack of comprehensive evaluation regarding its implications for democratic accountability. The novelty of this study is its contextualized critical assessment of digital governance under Jokowi, bridging political communication and governance scholarship in Indonesia. The research contributes to debates on digital democracy by proposing a nuanced framework that considers both democratic potential and authoritarian risks in state-led digitalization. It concludes that sustaining democratic digital governance requires stronger regulatory safeguards, independent oversight, and civic digital literacy to ensure that digital platforms serve public interest rather than political control.
Vaccine Hesitancy, Misinformation, and Government Messaging: A Discourse Analysis of Indonesia’s COVID-19 Response Rania Aulia Putri
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): July, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/59zm0m86

Abstract

This study examines vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and government messaging during Indonesia’s COVID-19 response through a discourse analysis of public communication and online narratives. As Indonesia faced multiple waves of infection and a large-scale vaccination campaign, public acceptance of vaccines became a key determinant of pandemic management and democratic trust in state institutions. However, vaccine hesitancy was fueled by misinformation, religious concerns, and distrust toward authorities, creating obstacles to achieving public health targets. This research analyzes official government statements, public service announcements, social media campaigns, and online user-generated content to explore how government messaging interacted with misinformation and shaped public perceptions of vaccines. Using qualitative discourse analysis, the study identifies dominant frames, rhetorical strategies, and counter-discourses that emerged during the vaccination rollout. The findings reveal that government messaging frequently emphasized scientific authority, national solidarity, and religious compatibility, but often lacked consistency in addressing misinformation and concerns from diverse communities. Meanwhile, misinformation narratives exploited anxieties related to vaccine safety, conspiracy theories, and religious legitimacy, which were amplified through social media networks and influential public figures. The study highlights how the interplay between official communication and misinformation shaped vaccine hesitancy and public trust. The novelty of this research lies in its integrative analysis of discourse across state and public spheres, linking health communication with political legitimacy in Indonesia’s pandemic context. The contribution of the study is to provide empirical insights into how communication strategies can either mitigate or exacerbate vaccine hesitancy, offering implications for crisis governance and democratic resilience. The study concludes that effective vaccine communication requires transparent, culturally sensitive messaging, active misinformation countermeasures, and inclusive engagement with religious and community leaders to rebuild public confidence in health policies.
From K-Pop Fandom to Political Fandom: Youth Subcultures and Political Mobilization in Indonesia Cahaya Anindya; Indra Justicio Permana
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): July, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/hnapsr49

Abstract

This study investigates the transformation of youth subcultures from K-pop fandom to political fandom in Indonesia, examining how digital fan communities have become sites of political mobilization and civic participation. In recent years, K-pop fan bases have evolved beyond entertainment-oriented activities to engage in political campaigns, social advocacy, and online activism, demonstrating a shift in youth culture where affective attachment and collective identity are redirected toward political causes. This research analyzes how youth subcultures deploy fan-based communication strategies, such as coordinated hashtag campaigns, viral content creation, and networked mobilization, to influence political discourse and participate in democratic processes. Using a qualitative approach, the study examines social media interactions, fan community platforms, campaign artifacts, and interviews with youth activists and fandom leaders to understand the mechanisms of political engagement within fan cultures. The findings reveal that fan communities leverage their organizational skills, digital literacy, and collective coordination to support political causes, including voter education, advocacy for social justice, and responses to political events. These communities also construct political identities through shared narratives, symbolism, and affective engagement, blurring the boundary between entertainment and politics. The study also highlights potential risks, such as the susceptibility of fan communities to misinformation, polarization, and instrumentalization by political actors. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on the political potential of fan cultures in Indonesia, positioning K-pop fandom as a precursor to new forms of youth political mobilization in digital spaces. The contribution of the study is to advance understanding of how subcultural networks reshape democratic participation by introducing alternative modes of political socialization and collective action. The study concludes that recognizing the political agency of youth subcultures is essential for inclusive democratic engagement and recommends strengthening media literacy and civic education within digital youth communities.
Moderate Islam in the Digital Age: Counter-Extremism Discourse in Indonesian Social Media Aurea Melati
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): July, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/yj4t2h80

Abstract

This study examines how moderate Islam is articulated in Indonesian social media through counter-extremism discourse, focusing on the communicative strategies employed by religious organizations, influencers, and civic groups to challenge radical narratives and promote pluralist values. In the digital age, social media has become a primary arena for religious communication, where competing interpretations of Islam vie for legitimacy and influence. While extremist content often spreads through networked platforms, moderate Muslim actors increasingly use online spaces to counter radicalization, advocate for tolerance, and shape public perceptions of Islam’s role in democratic society. This research analyzes counter-extremism campaigns, online sermons, hashtag movements, and digital religious content to identify dominant frames, rhetorical devices, and interaction patterns that constitute moderate Islamic discourse. Employing qualitative discourse analysis, the study examines how messages are constructed, disseminated, and received across different social media communities. The findings indicate that moderate Islamic discourse often emphasizes themes of inclusivity, civic harmony, and national unity, using religious texts, cultural symbolism, and moral persuasion to delegitimize extremist ideologies. The study also finds that counter-extremism communication is shaped by strategic collaborations between religious authorities and digital influencers, while also facing challenges such as online harassment, algorithmic bias, and the risk of oversimplifying complex theological debates. The novelty of this research lies in its contextualized analysis of moderate Islamic discourse as an active counter-extremism strategy within Indonesia’s digital public sphere, bridging religious studies and digital communication scholarship. The contribution of the study is to provide empirical insights into how digital religious communication can strengthen democratic resilience by fostering pluralism and reducing radicalization. It concludes that effective counter-extremism requires sustained digital engagement, community-based approaches, and media literacy initiatives that support critical religious interpretation and respectful online dialogue.
Public Space and Protest in the Megacity: Urban Politics and Demonstrations in Jakarta Naysa Kirana
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): July, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/s8sk2706

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between public space, urban politics, and protest in Jakarta, Indonesia’s megacity, where demonstrations have become central to political contestation and civic expression. As a densely populated and politically significant metropolis, Jakarta functions as both the symbolic heart of the nation and a strategic site for mobilizing mass movements. Public spaces such as the National Monument (Monas), Merdeka Square, and major thoroughfares serve as arenas where citizens negotiate political power, visibility, and legitimacy. This research investigates how urban infrastructure, spatial regulations, and state security practices shape protest dynamics, and how demonstrators strategically use the city’s public spaces to amplify their political messages. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the study analyzes protest events, spatial policies, media coverage, and interviews with activists, urban planners, and security officials to understand the interplay between space, power, and collective action. The findings reveal that Jakarta’s public spaces are contested terrains where protesters seek to disrupt everyday urban life to gain attention and leverage, while the state deploys regulatory measures, policing strategies, and spatial management to contain dissent. The study highlights how spatial control—through permits, road closures, and surveillance—affects the capacity of movements to mobilize and maintain visibility. The novelty of this research lies in its integration of urban politics and protest studies, emphasizing the role of space as a political actor in Indonesia’s megacity context. The contribution of the study is to deepen understanding of how urbanization and spatial governance influence democratic participation and public dissent. It concludes that democratic urban politics requires inclusive access to public space, transparent protest regulations, and participatory urban planning that accommodates civic expression while ensuring public order. The study recommends strengthening legal frameworks and dialogue mechanisms that protect the right to protest and support urban spaces as democratic commons.
Platform Governance and Political Speech: YouTube, TikTok, and the Regulation of Indonesian Political Content Ariella Nadine
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/tk3nzj44

Abstract

This study examines how platform governance on YouTube and TikTok regulates Indonesian political content and the implications for political speech, democratic participation, and digital public discourse. As these platforms become primary venues for political communication, campaigning, and civic engagement, their content moderation policies, algorithmic recommendation systems, and enforcement practices significantly influence which political voices gain visibility and which are suppressed. This research investigates how platform governance shapes the production, circulation, and reception of political content in Indonesia, focusing on how moderation decisions interact with local political contexts, regulatory pressures, and user behaviors. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines policy analysis of platform guidelines and Indonesian regulations with qualitative content analysis of political videos and short-form content, as well as interviews with content creators, digital activists, and platform users. The findings reveal that YouTube and TikTok apply governance mechanisms that reflect both global policy frameworks and localized compliance, resulting in inconsistent moderation outcomes and uncertainty among political content producers. Algorithmic recommendation systems often prioritize engagement-driven content, which can amplify sensational or polarizing political messaging, while moderation practices may disproportionately affect minority or dissenting voices due to vague rules and automated enforcement. The study also identifies the role of state influence, including legal threats and coordination with platform operators, in shaping governance outcomes. The novelty of this research lies in its comparative analysis of two dominant platforms within Indonesia’s political media ecosystem, highlighting the differential impacts of platform architecture and governance models on political speech. The contribution of the study is to provide empirical insights into how platform governance reconfigures democratic communication and to propose a framework for evaluating digital rights in platform-mediated politics. It concludes that ensuring democratic political speech requires greater transparency in moderation, stronger accountability mechanisms, and multi-stakeholder governance that balances free expression with harm prevention.
Clickworkers, Troll Farms, and Political Influence: The Hidden Labor Behind Indonesia’s Online Politics Rizka Wulandari; Deo Agustina Putri
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/7z1pm360

Abstract

This study investigates the hidden labor behind Indonesia’s online politics by examining the roles of clickworkers and troll farms in shaping political discourse, public opinion, and electoral outcomes. As digital platforms become central arenas for political communication, the organized production of online content—through paid engagement, coordinated messaging, and automated amplification—has emerged as a critical mechanism for influencing political narratives and manipulating public sentiment. This research explores how clickworkers and troll farms operate within Indonesia’s digital ecosystem, including their recruitment, labor conditions, messaging strategies, and relationships with political actors. Employing a qualitative research design, the study draws on interviews with former clickworkers, content analysis of coordinated posts, and examination of digital traces associated with organized online campaigns. The findings reveal that clickworkers and troll farms use targeted messaging, emotional appeals, and repetitive amplification to create the appearance of grassroots support, reinforce polarization, and undermine trust in democratic institutions. Their labor practices often involve precarious working conditions, anonymity, and ethical ambiguities, reflecting broader trends in digital gig economies and political commodification. The study also identifies the strategic integration of these labor networks with political campaigns, interest groups, and partisan organizations, highlighting how hidden digital labor contributes to asymmetrical power in online public spheres. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on the labor dimension of digital political influence in Indonesia, bridging political communication, labor studies, and digital sociology. The contribution of the study is to provide empirical evidence of how hidden online labor shapes democratic discourse and to propose a framework for understanding the political economy of digital manipulation. It concludes that addressing clickworker and troll farm influence requires stronger platform accountability, transparent campaign regulations, and labor protections for digital workers to safeguard democratic integrity.
Discourse of Environmental Justice: Indigenous Movements and Palm Oil Expansion in Indonesia Dania Aisyah
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/1cbj0e46

Abstract

This study examines the discourse of environmental justice in Indonesia by analyzing indigenous movements’ responses to palm oil expansion and its socio-environmental impacts. Palm oil development has become a major driver of economic growth in Indonesia, yet it has also led to land dispossession, ecological degradation, and social conflicts, particularly affecting indigenous communities whose livelihoods and cultural identities are closely tied to land and forests. This research explores how indigenous movements articulate environmental justice claims, mobilize collective action, and contest state and corporate narratives surrounding palm oil production. Using qualitative discourse analysis, the study analyzes indigenous activism materials, protest speeches, community statements, social media campaigns, and media coverage to identify dominant frames and rhetorical strategies. The findings reveal that indigenous movements frame palm oil expansion as a violation of rights, sovereignty, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing concepts of customary land rights, ecological stewardship, and intergenerational justice. They employ narratives that connect local struggles to broader global justice discourses, challenging corporate legitimacy and state development paradigms. However, the study also identifies obstacles such as limited access to legal resources, asymmetric power relations, and co-optation of indigenous voices in state-led sustainability initiatives. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on environmental justice discourse as a central mechanism of indigenous resistance in the palm oil context, highlighting the intersection of identity, land rights, and ecological politics in Indonesia. The contribution of the study is to enrich understanding of how discourse shapes environmental governance and social movements, providing empirical insights for policymakers and activists seeking equitable and sustainable development. The study concludes that achieving environmental justice requires strengthening indigenous land rights, inclusive policymaking, and accountability mechanisms for palm oil companies, as well as supporting indigenous-led communication and advocacy strategies.
AI-Powered Political Messaging: Automated Persuasion and the 2024 Indonesian Election Syafa Amirah
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/7grwvr59

Abstract

This study investigates the deployment of AI-powered political messaging during the 2024 Indonesian election, focusing on how automated persuasion technologies reshape campaign communication, voter influence, and democratic integrity. As political actors increasingly adopt generative AI tools, chatbots, and algorithmic content creation, the production and dissemination of campaign messages have become faster, personalized, and potentially more manipulative. This research examines the strategies and impacts of AI-driven political messaging, including automated targeting, deepfake-enabled persuasion, and large-scale content amplification through bots and coordinated networks. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines digital trace analysis of social media campaign outputs, computational detection of AI-generated content, and qualitative interviews with political communication professionals, platform moderators, and civil society observers. The findings reveal that AI-powered messaging has significantly increased the volume and speed of political content, enabling micro-targeting and emotionally tailored narratives that can exploit voter biases and reduce deliberative engagement. The study also finds evidence of strategic use of AI-generated visuals and text to blur the boundaries between authentic and fabricated political communication, raising concerns about transparency, accountability, and electoral fairness. The novelty of this research lies in its empirical examination of AI-driven political persuasion within Indonesia’s electoral context, providing one of the first systematic analyses of AI-mediated campaigning in Southeast Asia. The contribution of the study is to advance understanding of how automation transforms political messaging ecosystems and to propose a conceptual framework for assessing AI’s democratic risks and opportunities. The study concludes that safeguarding electoral integrity requires stronger AI disclosure policies, platform governance, and public digital literacy, and recommends multi-stakeholder collaboration to monitor and regulate AI-driven political communication in Indonesia.
Deepfakes, Trust, and Electoral Integrity: The Emerging Threat to Indonesian Democracy Inez Anggraeni
Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65815/zrkx7164

Abstract

This study examines the emerging threat of deepfakes to trust and electoral integrity in Indonesia, where digital media and social platforms increasingly mediate political communication and public opinion. As generative AI technologies enable the creation of highly realistic but fabricated audio-visual content, deepfakes pose significant risks to democratic processes by undermining the credibility of political actors, spreading misinformation, and manipulating voter perceptions. This research investigates how deepfakes are produced, circulated, and received within Indonesia’s electoral ecosystem, and assesses their potential impact on trust in institutions, media, and the electoral process. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines computational detection of deepfake content, content analysis of viral misinformation cases, and qualitative interviews with journalists, election officials, digital platform experts, and civil society actors. The findings indicate that deepfakes amplify existing vulnerabilities in Indonesia’s information environment, particularly in contexts of high political polarization and limited digital literacy. Deepfake content is often strategically deployed to discredit opponents, provoke emotional reactions, and create confusion during critical electoral moments. The study also finds that public trust is eroded not only by the presence of deepfakes but by the uncertainty they generate, as audiences struggle to distinguish authentic from manipulated content. The novelty of this research lies in its context-specific analysis of deepfake threats in Indonesia’s democratic setting, offering one of the first empirical examinations of deepfake circulation in Southeast Asian elections. The contribution of the study is to develop a conceptual framework linking deepfake proliferation with trust erosion and electoral legitimacy, and to provide policy-relevant insights for strengthening digital resilience. The study concludes that protecting electoral integrity requires robust detection capabilities, platform transparency, and comprehensive public education, and recommends collaborative governance mechanisms involving state institutions, platforms, and civil society to mitigate deepfake harms.