Social Media's Crucial Role in Shaping Indonesian Democracy

Abstract

Social media and citizen journalism have emerged as critical components of democracy in Indonesia, necessitating a comprehensive analysis of the Information and Electronic Transactions Law (UU ITE) and the Press Law (UU Press). The general background emphasizes the significance of these legal frameworks in shaping the role of social media in democratic participation. The specific background identifies a gap in understanding the impact of these laws on the functionality of social media as a democratic tool. The primary aim of this research is to assess the position of social media as a pillar of democracy in Indonesia through a normative legal approach. The study employs a thorough examination of relevant legal provisions, utilizing data collected from journals and social media to support the analysis. The results reveal that while social media enhances political participation and transparency, challenges such as misinformation and political polarization hinder its effectiveness. The analysis underscores the need for legal reform to bridge the gap between existing regulations and actual practices, identifying areas where the UU ITE and UU Press can be strengthened. The novelty of this research lies in its detailed exploration of how these laws can be adapted to promote an inclusive democratic society. The implications suggest that effective regulation and collaboration among government, social media platforms, and the public are essential to maximizing the positive contributions of social media to Indonesia's democratic process while minimizing its adverse effects. Highlights: Democratic Role: Emphasizes social media's importance for political participation. Legal Framework: Examines UU ITE and UU Press in media regulation. Challenges Identified: Highlights misinformation and polarization as democratic obstacles. Keywords: Social media, citizen journalism, democracy, UU ITE, UU Press