Internet Memes: Representation of Indonesian Political Culture in Jakarta Gubernatorial Election 2017

摘要

Jakarta Gubernatorial Election 2017 may receive considerably significant attention from Indonesian society. Many assume it resembled the presidential election because of the 'political heat' of the moment. This is apparent in particular conversations in social media, and even seen as the message of manipulation sign appeared as Instagram memes with the three candidates for the governor. This study aims to reveal the form of political culture which developed during the Jakarta Gubernatorial Election in Indonesia in 2017. Researcher felt the urge to analyze the symbols of internet memes in Instagram, especially with the #pilgubdki hashtag as one effort to win the election. This study uses the qualitative method with semiotic analysis from Roland Barthes with researcher opted to conduct the documentation, observation, and literature study as data collection techniques. This study found some types of memes circulated on the Instagram with the combination of texts and photos. It is clear that the political culture of memes shows "subtle" imagery through debates and political campaigns by political elites. However, the evidence shows that negative imagery, religious view, and racial issues emerged and made the twisted story and evolved as the criticism in Indonesian society.