Vol. 13 No. 3 (2025)
Space and Culture, India

Research

Public Discourse on Press Freedom: Twitter’s Role in the Backlash Against Indonesia's 2024 Broadcasting Law Revision

Published 2025-11-27

  • Fathul Qorib
    • ,
  • Frida Kusumastuti
    • ,
  • Saudah
    • ,
  • Samia Elviria
    • ,
  • Maielayuskha

Fathul Qorib
Lecturer & Media Researcher, Communication Department, University of Tribhuwana Tunggadewi, Indonesia image/svg+xml

Frida Kusumastuti
Senior Lecturer, Department of Communication Science, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia image/svg+xml

Saudah
Lecturer, Bachelor’s Program of Communication Science and the Master’s Program in Public Administration, Universitas Merdeka Malang, Indonesia image/svg+xml

Samia Elviria
Lecturer, Department of Communication Science, Nurdin Hamzah University, Jambi, Indonesia

Maielayuskha
Lecturer, Department of Communication Science, Nurdin Hamzah University, Jambi, Indonesia

Abstract

The revision of Indonesia's Broadcasting Law in 2024 sparked intense debate on Twitter. This study analyses public discourse on Twitter from 10 May to 05 June 2024, focusing on 3,872 tweets, account engagement, popular accounts and hashtags, social networks, word clouds, sentiment, and media usage in opposing the revision of the law. This research is vital for further understanding the discussions surrounding Indonesia's Broadcasting Law, which has faced significant criticism for limiting press freedom and raising concerns about the erosion of democracy. The analysis revealed that peaks in discussion coincided with journalist protests and legislative meetings on the law. Most tweets expressed opposition to the revision, with Change.org emerging as the dominant platform leading the protests, likely used by activists to mobilise support through online petitions. Interestingly, the primary influences in this discourse were not from mass media or journalism but from influential social media personalities, alongside accounts with unclear identities, which also played a significant role in spreading information. The study also highlights the application of agenda-setting theory, in which Twitter, as a digital platform, played a key role in shaping the public agenda by amplifying concerns about press freedom and democracy. This research underscores the importance for policymakers considering input from the press community when crafting laws that balance regulation and the protection of press freedom.

Keywords

Indonesian Broadcasting Law, Public discourse, Press freedom, Twitter, Agenda Setting Theory, Change.org

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Author Biography

Fathul Qorib

Fathul Qorib’s research interests are mainly in journalism studies, communication science theory, and social media. He is active in the Association of Indonesian Communication Science Study Programs (ASPIKOM) and the Indonesian Communication Science Scholars Association (ISKI). Currently, he is pursuing a doctoral degree at Kocaeli University, Türkiye.

Frida Kusumastuti

Frida Kusumastuti actively engaged in mass media research, especially in relation to the provision of public rights in the media, such as the rights of the disabled, women, and democracy. Currently, she is active in the Digital Literacy Activist Network (JAPELIDI) community and the Indonesian Anti Hoax Community (MAFINDO).

Saudah

Saudah actively serves as a resource person in various training sessions on communication and entrepreneurship development. Her academic interests include personal branding, mass media, telematics, and creative communities. She regularly publishes scholarly articles, particularly in the fields of media communication, the creative economy, and socio-cultural market studies.

Samia Elviria

Samia Elviria’s academic background and scholarly expertise are rooted in applied linguistics, with a particular interest in discourse and language analysis, social media, and intercultural communication. In addition to her academic responsibilities, she serves as the Head of Public Relations at Nurdin Hamzah University in Jambi.

Maielayuskha

Maielayuskha’s research focuses on communication and culture, with an emphasis on the role of information and communication technology. She teaches courses in both basic communication and contemporary communication theories.

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