Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements
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.
Articles
55 Documents
<![CDATA[TikTok Politics in Indonesia: Political Communication and Democratic Participation among First-Time Voters ]]>
<![CDATA[Ahmad Usman Nabil]]>
<![CDATA[ Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): January, 2026 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA ]]>
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DOI: 10.65815/1adh4107
<![CDATA[The rapid expansion of TikTok has transformed political communication among young Indonesians, particularly first-time voters who increasingly encounter political information through short-form video content. This article examines how TikTok influences political participation, political expression, and democratic engagement among Indonesian youth. Using qualitative digital discourse analysis, the study analyzes political narratives, campaign content, influencer communication, and user interactions surrounding electoral issues. The article argues that TikTok has expanded opportunities for political participation by allowing young citizens to create and circulate political messages outside traditional media institutions. At the same time, the platform's algorithmic structure may encourage emotionally engaging and simplified political narratives, potentially reducing exposure to diverse perspectives. The study further examines the role of political influencers and user-generated content in shaping perceptions of candidates and public issues. It proposes a framework for understanding TikTok as a hybrid political communication environment in which professional campaigns, influencers, and ordinary citizens interact. The article concludes that TikTok can strengthen democratic participation among Indonesian youth when accompanied by media literacy, transparent political communication, and mechanisms for addressing misinformation.]]>
<![CDATA[Political Influencers and Democratic Discourse in Indonesia: The Changing Role of Social Media Personalities in Electoral Communication ]]>
<![CDATA[Kamaluddin Kamaluddin]]>
<![CDATA[ Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): January, 2026 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA ]]>
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DOI: 10.65815/pdk4cc59
<![CDATA[The rise of political influencers has altered the relationship between political actors, media institutions, and citizens in Indonesia. Individuals with large social media audiences increasingly comment on candidates, public policies, and elections, sometimes becoming more influential than traditional political commentators. This article examines the role of political influencers in Indonesian democratic discourse. Using qualitative digital discourse analysis, the study investigates political messaging, audience interaction, endorsement practices, and the relationship between influencers and political campaigns. The article argues that political influencers can expand political communication by making complex political issues more accessible to younger audiences. However, the commercialization of influence creates challenges concerning undisclosed political sponsorship, misinformation, and the distinction between personal opinion and coordinated political campaigning. The study proposes a transparency framework requiring clearer disclosure of political relationships, sponsored content, and campaign partnerships. It also examines the potential of influencers to function as informal political intermediaries between candidates and voters. The article concludes that political influencers represent a significant transformation in Indonesian political communication and should be incorporated into contemporary discussions of electoral transparency and democratic accountability.]]>
<![CDATA[Political Memes and Democratic Participation in Indonesia: Humor, Satire, and Youth Political Expression on Social Media ]]>
<![CDATA[Putri Amandha]]>
<![CDATA[ Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): January, 2026 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA ]]>
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DOI: 10.65815/babh2639
<![CDATA[Political memes have become an increasingly common form of political expression among Indonesian social media users. Through humor, satire, visual references, and simplified political messages, memes allow citizens to engage with political issues without relying on conventional political discourse. This article examines political memes as a form of democratic participation among Indonesian youth. Using qualitative visual and digital discourse analysis, the study explores how memes communicate criticism, political identity, candidate perceptions, and public dissatisfaction. The article argues that political humor can lower barriers to political participation by enabling individuals with limited political resources to enter public debates. However, memes may also contribute to misinformation, political polarization, and the normalization of dehumanizing discourse. The study proposes a framework distinguishing constructive political satire from misleading or harmful political communication. Particular attention is given to the participatory nature of meme production, in which users are simultaneously audiences, creators, and political commentators. The article concludes that political memes should be understood as an important contemporary form of Indonesian political communication rather than dismissed as merely entertainment.]]>
<![CDATA[WhatsApp Groups and Local Democracy in Indonesia: Political Mobilization and Information Circulation in Rural Communities ]]>
<![CDATA[Andi Luhur Bagaskara]]>
<![CDATA[ Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): January, 2026 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA ]]>
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DOI: 10.65815/sae27m59
<![CDATA[WhatsApp has become an important communication infrastructure for Indonesian communities, particularly in rural areas where neighborhood, religious, family, and community groups use the platform for everyday communication. During electoral periods, these networks can become important spaces for political information, campaign mobilization, and political discussion. This article examines the role of WhatsApp groups in local democratic participation in rural Indonesia. Using qualitative digital ethnographic analysis, the study explores political messages, community discussions, mobilization practices, and the circulation of political information. The article argues that WhatsApp enables decentralized political communication by connecting citizens through existing social relationships. However, the same interpersonal trust that makes WhatsApp effective for communication may also facilitate the rapid spread of misleading political information. The study proposes a community-based digital literacy framework involving local leaders, civil society organizations, and electoral institutions. The article concludes that WhatsApp should be understood as an important informal political communication infrastructure whose democratic effects depend heavily on the social networks through which information circulates.]]>
<![CDATA[Political Misinformation during Indonesian Elections: Social Media Networks, Voter Trust, and Democratic Resilience ]]>
<![CDATA[Januar Iman Hutabarat]]>
<![CDATA[ Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): January, 2026 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA ]]>
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DOI: 10.65815/xt31qn55
<![CDATA[Political misinformation has become a significant challenge for electoral democracies because false or misleading information can influence voter perceptions and weaken trust in democratic institutions. Indonesia's highly active social media environment provides fertile conditions for the rapid circulation of political claims during election periods. This article examines political misinformation in Indonesian elections and its implications for democratic resilience. Using qualitative digital discourse analysis, the study investigates the circulation of misleading narratives, user engagement, corrective information, and institutional responses. The article argues that misinformation is not simply a technological problem but a social phenomenon shaped by political identity, interpersonal trust, and existing ideological networks. Corrective information may be less effective when audiences interpret factual claims through strong partisan identities. The study proposes a multidimensional response combining platform accountability, media literacy, rapid fact-checking, transparent electoral communication, and community-based information verification. The article concludes that democratic resilience depends not only on removing false information but also on strengthening citizens' capacity to evaluate political claims independently.]]>
<![CDATA[Student Movements and Democratic Communication in Indonesia: Social Media Mobilization during National Policy Protests ]]>
<![CDATA[Ahmad Syukur Pratama]]>
<![CDATA[ Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): April, 2026 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA ]]>
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DOI: 10.65815/ekcdps75
<![CDATA[Student movements have historically played an important role in Indonesian political change, while social media has increasingly transformed how demonstrations are organized, communicated, and interpreted. This article examines the relationship between student activism and digital political communication during national policy protests in Indonesia. Using qualitative social movement and digital discourse analysis, the study explores mobilization messages, hashtags, organizational networks, livestreaming, and interactions between students and broader online communities. The article argues that social media reduces organizational barriers and enables rapid coordination across universities and regions. Digital platforms also allow protesters to communicate directly with the public without depending entirely on traditional media coverage. However, rapid mobilization can create challenges involving misinformation, fragmented leadership, and online polarization. The study proposes a hybrid mobilization framework in which physical demonstrations and digital communication operate as interconnected spaces of political participation. The article concludes that Indonesian student movements continue to function as important democratic actors while adapting their organizational strategies to contemporary communication technologies.]]>
<![CDATA[Women, Social Media, and Political Mobilization in Indonesia: Digital Feminist Movements and Democratic Participation ]]>
<![CDATA[I Wayan Putra Ananta]]>
<![CDATA[ Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): April, 2026 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA ]]>
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DOI: 10.65815/zn7cyn53
<![CDATA[Digital platforms have created new opportunities for Indonesian women to participate in political debates, organize campaigns, and challenge gender inequality. Online feminist movements increasingly address issues involving sexual violence, reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, political representation, and gender-based violence. This article examines the role of digital feminist movements in Indonesian democratic participation. Using qualitative digital discourse and social movement analysis, the study explores campaign narratives, online mobilization, hashtag activism, and interactions between activists and political institutions. The article argues that social media allows women activists to bypass traditional gatekeepers and create alternative spaces for political communication. At the same time, female activists frequently encounter online harassment, threats, and gendered disinformation. The study proposes a framework for understanding digital feminism as both political communication and collective action. Effective democratic participation requires not only access to digital platforms but also protection from gender-based online violence. The article concludes that Indonesian digital feminist movements demonstrate how communication technologies can expand women's political agency while simultaneously exposing activists to new forms of political vulnerability.]]>
<![CDATA[Islamic Preachers and Political Communication in Indonesia: Religious Authority, Social Media, and Electoral Mobilization ]]>
<![CDATA[Gabriel Nathaniel Saputra]]>;
<![CDATA[Noor Ismail]]>
<![CDATA[ Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): April, 2026 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA ]]>
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DOI: 10.65815/kc9q1k95
<![CDATA[Islamic preachers with large social media audiences have become influential actors in Indonesian political communication. Their authority may shape political attitudes, perceptions of candidates, and interpretations of public issues, particularly among religiously engaged audiences. This article examines the political communication practices of Indonesian Islamic preachers on social media. Using qualitative discourse analysis, the study investigates religious messaging, political references, audience engagement, and electoral mobilization. The article argues that social media has transformed religious authority by enabling preachers to communicate directly with large audiences without relying on traditional religious institutions or mass media. This creates new opportunities for civic education but also raises questions concerning political neutrality, misinformation, polarization, and the commercialization of religious influence. The study proposes a framework distinguishing religious political education from direct electoral mobilization. It concludes that Islamic preachers have become significant actors within Indonesia's hybrid political communication environment and that their role should be examined at the intersection of religion, media, democracy, and political participation.]]>
<![CDATA[Political Communication and Local Democracy in Papua: Social Media, Indigenous Identity, and Political Participation ]]>
<![CDATA[Esther Michelle Caroline]]>;
<![CDATA[Deborah Nathalie]]>;
<![CDATA[Matthew Christian Aditya]]>
<![CDATA[ Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): April, 2026 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA ]]>
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DOI: 10.65815/ev1h0a70
<![CDATA[Digital communication has created new spaces for political expression among communities in Papua, where questions of Indigenous identity, development, representation, and political rights remain important components of public discourse. This article examines the role of social media in political communication among Indigenous communities in Papua. Using qualitative digital discourse analysis, the study explores political narratives, identity construction, community mobilization, and interactions between local communities and government institutions. The article argues that social media can provide Indigenous communities with alternative channels for communicating political concerns and challenging dominant representations. At the same time, digital communication may intensify polarization when political issues are presented through competing identity-based narratives. The study proposes an Indigenous-centered political communication framework emphasizing community participation, linguistic diversity, contextualized information, and protection of political expression. The article concludes that digital platforms have become increasingly important to democratic participation in Papua but should be understood within the region's distinctive political, cultural, and historical context.]]>
<![CDATA[Political Podcasts and the Transformation of Public Debate in Indonesia: Long-Form Digital Communication and Electoral Discourse ]]>
<![CDATA[Nadia Permata Sari]]>
<![CDATA[ Indonesian Discourse on Communication, Democracy, and Political Movements Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): April, 2026 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA ]]>
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DOI: 10.65815/fpaxnn54
<![CDATA[The growth of political podcasts and long-form online interviews has transformed political communication in Indonesia by creating spaces for extended discussions between political figures, journalists, academics, and influencers. Unlike traditional campaign advertisements, podcasts can present political actors through informal conversations and personal narratives. This article examines how political podcasts shape electoral discourse in Indonesia. Using qualitative discourse analysis, the study investigates interview formats, candidate self-presentation, issue framing, audience interaction, and the role of podcast hosts as political intermediaries. The article argues that long-form digital communication can increase political engagement by providing voters with more contextual information than short campaign messages. However, informal communication may also blur the boundaries between journalism, entertainment, political endorsement, and campaign promotion. The study proposes a transparency framework for political podcasts that emphasizes disclosure of sponsorship, editorial independence, and factual verification. The article concludes that podcasts represent an increasingly important component of Indonesia's hybrid media system and are reshaping how political candidates communicate with citizens.]]>
