How Media Narratives Shape Public Opinion on the Papua Issue: A Strategic Communication Approach

Ronald Febriano Siwabessy, Pawito, Ismi Dwi Astuti, Andrik Purwasito

Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia

The discourse surrounding the Papua issue has been heavily shaped by media articulations such as #BlackLivesMatter, #PapuaLivesMatter, #FreeWestPapua. These media articulations have gained significant traction and hegemonic influence across both new and conventional media platforms. The media narratives are largely driven by non-state actors and pro-independence advocates, who have constructed dominant narratives, emphasizing human rights violations, racism, marginalization, and conflict, often portraying the Indonesian government in a negative and colonial light. Media framing, which is implied on both the domestic and international scales, plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception. It contributes to a hyperreality in which Papua is predominantly represented as a conflict-ridden region. The contestation discourse about Papua in the media reveals a significant imbalance in media framing, marked by the limited presence of the Indonesian government in shaping the narratives. This imbalance has strengthened negative public opinion and weakened Indonesia’s bargaining position at both national and international levels. Strategic communication is therefore needed as a counter-narrative to clarify information. It can also encourage more peaceful interpretations of the Papua issue.

Article link: https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org/JSParchives/how-media-narratives-shape-public-opinion-on-the-papua-issue%3A-a-strategic-communication-approach