“(Don’t) Stop the Rising Oil Price”: Mediatization, Digital Discourse, and Fuel Price Controversies in Indonesian Online Media

Abstract
Fuel price increases have long been a contentious issue in Indonesia, sparking intense public and political debates. This study examines how digital media, particularly Kompas.com and Tempo.co, shape public discourse on fuel price hikes through mediatization. Using discourse network analysis, this study compares the political narratives surrounding fuel price increases during the administrations of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (2013) and Joko Widodo (2022). The findings reveal a shift in dominant discourse—opposition to price hikes was prominent in both periods, with government authority and economic justification emphasized in 2013, whereas concerns over rising living costs and social unrest dominated in 2022. This study highlights how mediatization has transformed policymaking from deliberative discussions into fragmented media battles, where digital platforms amplify competing narratives rather than facilitating consensus. Kompas.com predominantly featured counter-discourses, while Tempo.co exhibited stronger pro-government narratives in 2013. This study suggests that while digital media plays a crucial role in shaping policy perceptions, it does not necessarily translate into policy influence. It contributes to the broader understanding of the media’s role in policy debates. It underscores the need for more strategic government communication to manage public expectations and mitigate political unrest surrounding fuel price adjustments.