Investigating the intricacies of populist leadership in the digital era while unraveling the paradox of tolerance in Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to explore the paradox of tolerance in Indonesia during the second term of the populist leadership of Joko Widodo. In addition, both physical and virtual interactions have become breeding grounds for intolerance during this period. Despite high expectations for increased tolerance, the freedom of speech facilitated by social media has aggravated and reinforced anti-pluralistic sentiments. Acts of intolerance, in contradiction to the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion and belief, are perpetrated by entities both within and outside the state apparatus. The primary focus of this study is to address how the state should effectively respond to these intolerant actions in the domain of social media. The research method uses a netnography approach. Sampling was done by purposive sampling consisting of 12 YouTube channel accounts. Data collection was carried out by capturing 32,048 virtual community conversations and comment screens on 12 YouTube channels from August 24 to December 21, 2021. Thematic data analysis was conducted using the NVIVO 14 application or DAPA (Data Analysis Procedure by Application). The results showed that the state overlooked intolerant practices by Islamic apologists while directly persecuting Christian apologists exercising the fundamental right to free speech. Based on these results, the study recommends three key actions, including implementing inclusive broadcasting regulations for fair representation, establishing the digital democratic space to encourage open dialogue, and ensuring anti-discriminatory laws suited for the digital era to effectively combat intolerance.