Digital Political Discourse and Identity Narratives: A Framing Analysis of Sara Issues in Electoral Controversies

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FORMOSA NEWS - Bogor - Digital Identity Narratives Intensify Political Polarization in Indonesia’s Online Electoral Discourse, Study Finds. A 2026 study by Caesya Gabrietha Nicerth Sinuraya, Pratama Dahlia Persadha, and Ing Suhardi from Indonesian National Intelligence Collegea examines how identity-based narratives commonly known in Indonesia as SARA (ethnicity, religion, race, and intergroup relations) shape political discourse in digital spaces during electoral controversies. Published in Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences (FJAS), the research finds that social media platforms increasingly amplify identity-driven messaging, contributing to polarization and influencing public perception during election periods.

Digital Politics and the Rise of Identity Narratives
The researchers note that digital platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube function not only as information channels but also as arenas where political narratives are constructed, contested, and amplified. During election periods, competing political actors strategically deploy identity-based messaging to mobilize supporters and delegitimize opponents. The study emphasizes that SARA narratives frequently emerge in highly competitive elections, including Indonesia’s recent electoral cycles. These narratives often shift political debate away from policy issues and toward symbolic identity conflicts, framing elections as struggles between religious, ethnic, or cultural groups rather than contests between political programs. Researchers also identify the role of algorithm-driven systems such as echo chambers and filter bubbles. These mechanisms prioritize content aligned with users’ existing beliefs, repeatedly exposing audiences to similar identity-based narratives. This digital structure increases polarization and reduces exposure to diverse viewpoints, intensifying ideological divisions.

Methodology: Framing Analysis of Digital Political Content

The research applies qualitative framing analysis using two established communication frameworks: the Entman model and the Pan and Kosicki framing structure. Data were collected from online news coverage, social media posts, and political commentary related to electoral controversies.

The analysis examined four key framing elements:

• Problem definition in digital narratives.
• Attribution of responsibility to specific groups.
• Moral evaluation of political actors.
• Calls for action or political mobilization.

The structural analysis also reviewed headlines, narrative flow, themes, and rhetorical language to understand how identity narratives are constructed and circulated in digital discourse.

Key Findings: Three Dominant Framing Mechanisms

The study identifies three dominant mechanisms used in SARA-related digital political discourse:

Identity Mobilisation: Political actors emphasize religious or ethnic identity to strengthen group solidarity. Candidates are framed as representatives of particular communities, encouraging voters to align politically based on shared identity.
Moral Polarisation: Digital narratives portray certain political actors as morally superior while delegitimizing opponents. Messages often frame political competition as a conflict between “defenders” and “threats” to cultural or religious values.

Emotional Amplification: Provocative language, symbolic imagery, and emotionally charged messaging increase engagement. These narratives spread quickly across platforms and intensify public reactions.

Implications for Democracy and Digital Communication
The authors emphasize that identity narratives themselves are not new in politics, but digital framing processes intensify their impact. Social media allows rapid dissemination, while algorithmic amplification reinforces group-based interpretations of political issues. The study suggests that strengthening digital literacy and promoting ethical political communication are essential steps to mitigate polarization. Collaboration between policymakers, civil society, and digital platforms could help foster more inclusive online discourse. The researchers note that understanding framing mechanisms is crucial for improving democratic resilience in the era of algorithm-driven political communication. As digital media continues to shape electoral discourse, identifying how identity narratives are constructed becomes increasingly important for maintaining social cohesion.

Author Profile

Caesya Gabrietha Nicerth Sinuraya – Researcher in political communication and digital discourse, Indonesian National Intelligence College.

Pratama Dahlia Persadha – Lecturer and researcher specializing in political communication and media framing, Indonesian National Intelligence College.

Ing Suhardi – Academic researcher focusing on intelligence studies and digital political dynamics, Indonesian National Intelligence College.

Sources
Sinuraya, C. G. N., Persadha, P. D., & Suhardi, I. (2026). Digital Political Discourse and Identity Narratives: A Framing Analysis of SARA Issues in Electoral Controversies. Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol. 5 No. 3, 917–932.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjas.v5i3.33
URL: https://journalfjas.my.id/index.php/fjas