Media In the Archipelago: Navigating the Labyrinth of Ownership, Diversity, and Politics in Indonesia's Information Landscape
Centre for Research in Media and Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia, Faculty of Communication Science, Mercu Buana University, Jakarta 11650, Indonesia
Mohd Nor Shahizan Ali
Centre for Research in Media and Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia
Wan Amizah Wan Mahmud
Centre for Research in Media and Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia
Charli Sitinjak
Faculty of Humanities and Health Science, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Malaysia, Faculty of Psychology, University Esa Unggul, 11510 Jakarta, Indonesia
Józef Ober
Department of Applied Social Sciences, Faculty of Organization and Management, Silesian University of Technology, Roosevelta 26-28, 41- 800 Zabrze, Poland
Abstract
Indonesia's media landscape, characterised by a diverse yet oligopolistic structure, is scrutinised through thematic analysis and desk research. The study reveals that media ownership is predominantly concentrated in the hands of powerful conglomerates with significant political ties, raising concerns about the impartiality and representation of various political perspectives. Central to this landscape is the influence of digital platforms on shaping public opinion and distributing news. The study also observes a Jakarta-centric bias, where the media of the capital dominates, often sidelining regional voices. Emphasizing the necessity of vigilant oversight, the study advocates for regulatory measures to safeguard media diversity and transparency in ownership. Additionally, it underscores the importance of strengthening regional media to better reflect the diverse voices. This comprehensive analysis offers insights into the intricate dynamics governing Indonesia's media sector, highlighting its pivotal role in the nation's democratic dialogue and overall development