Political Podcasts and the Transformation of Public Debate in Indonesia: Long-Form Digital Communication and Electoral Discourse

Abstract

The growth of political podcasts and long-form online interviews has transformed political communication in Indonesia by creating spaces for extended discussions between political figures, journalists, academics, and influencers. Unlike traditional campaign advertisements, podcasts can present political actors through informal conversations and personal narratives. This article examines how political podcasts shape electoral discourse in Indonesia. Using qualitative discourse analysis, the study investigates interview formats, candidate self-presentation, issue framing, audience interaction, and the role of podcast hosts as political intermediaries. The article argues that long-form digital communication can increase political engagement by providing voters with more contextual information than short campaign messages. However, informal communication may also blur the boundaries between journalism, entertainment, political endorsement, and campaign promotion. The study proposes a transparency framework for political podcasts that emphasizes disclosure of sponsorship, editorial independence, and factual verification. The article concludes that podcasts represent an increasingly important component of Indonesia's hybrid media system and are reshaping how political candidates communicate with citizens.