Student Movements and Democratic Communication in Indonesia: Social Media Mobilization during National Policy Protests

Abstract

Student movements have historically played an important role in Indonesian political change, while social media has increasingly transformed how demonstrations are organized, communicated, and interpreted. This article examines the relationship between student activism and digital political communication during national policy protests in Indonesia. Using qualitative social movement and digital discourse analysis, the study explores mobilization messages, hashtags, organizational networks, livestreaming, and interactions between students and broader online communities. The article argues that social media reduces organizational barriers and enables rapid coordination across universities and regions. Digital platforms also allow protesters to communicate directly with the public without depending entirely on traditional media coverage. However, rapid mobilization can create challenges involving misinformation, fragmented leadership, and online polarization. The study proposes a hybrid mobilization framework in which physical demonstrations and digital communication operate as interconnected spaces of political participation. The article concludes that Indonesian student movements continue to function as important democratic actors while adapting their organizational strategies to contemporary communication technologies.