The Paradox of Press Freedom in Consolidating Electoral Democracy: A Normative–Sociological Study of Indonesia

Syafriadi Syafriadi; Ragil Ibnu Hajar; Moza Dela Fudika

doi:10.26623/jic.v11i3.13560

Authors

Syafriadi Syafriadi Universitas Islam Riau
Ragil Ibnu Hajar Universitas Muhammadiyah Riau
Moza Dela Fudika Universitas Muhammadiyah Riau

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26623/jic.v11i3.13560

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the paradoxical relationship between press freedom and the consolidation of electoral democracy in Indonesia, particularly during the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections, and to evaluate the extent to which the press functions as a mechanism of transparency and democratic accountability. Employing a normative–sociological approach, the research examines constitutional provisions, statutory regulations, scholarly literature, and empirical developments in media practices during electoral processes. The study reveals that although Law No. 40 of 1999 formally guarantees press freedom and prohibits censorship, the practical implementation of media independence remains constrained by political patronage, ownership concentration, commercialization of news production, and regulatory overlap with the Electronic Information and Transactions Law. The expansion of digital communication platforms has further intensified misinformation, partisan narratives, and algorithm-driven political polarization, thereby weakening the deliberative quality of democratic discourse. The novelty of this research lies in its interdisciplinary integration of constitutional law, media sociology, and political communication theory to conceptualize press freedom not merely as an individual constitutional right, but as a structural and communicative mechanism shaping substantive electoral democracy. Unlike previous studies that separately examine media regulation or democratic participation, this study develops a comprehensive analytical framework connecting constitutional guarantees, political economy of media, and digital governance within Indonesia’s electoral system. The research contributes theoretically to the development of democratic constitutionalism and media governance studies in Southeast Asia, while practically offering policy recommendations concerning regulatory harmonization, media ownership transparency, strengthening journalistic ethics, and enhancing public media literacy as essential foundations for sustainable democratic governance in Indonesia.

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