Examining the policy narratives and the role of the media in policy responses to the COVID-19 crisis in Indonesia

ABSTRACT

This paper aims to investigate the related narratives presented in the media and their role in influencing the policy-making process related to the COVID-19 response in Indonesia. This study is based on the content analysis of online news and in-depth interviews with the political advisors of the president and the minister as well as the public health experts invited into the core group of policymakers. The analysis of the narrative policy framework revealed a relationship between the government’s response and the changing tone of media coverage. The study also found that the media has become an influential platform influencing policy agenda-setting.

KEYWORDS:

• Narrative policy framework
• COVID-19
• media advocacy
• policy-making process

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Indri Dwi Apriliyanti

Indri Dwi Apriliyanti is an assistant professor at the Public Policy and Management Department, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. Her research focuses on corporate governance, particularly on the role of politics or politicization in state‐owned enterprises (SOEs), political ties and corporate business strategy, and narrative policy analysis.

Wisnu Prasetya Utomo

Wisnu Prasetya Utomo is a lecturer at the Communication Science Department, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. His research focuses on media, journalism, and political communication.

Erwan Agus Purwanto

Erwan Agus Purwanto is a Professor at Public Policy and Management Department, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. His research focuses on agile government, public policy innovation, decentralization, and policy formulation.