Beyond the Watchdog: Exploring Sousveillance as an Alternative Form of Oversight
Keywords:
digital activism, digital democracy, sousveillance, watchdogAbstract
Empirical research shows that the mainstream media in Indonesia often fail to serve as effective watchdogs due to political interference, limiting their ability to monitor power. In contrast, social media platforms support digital democracy by enabling citizens to monitor power, though they also increase opportunities for government oversight. This study analyzes violence in Wadas, Central Java. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, the study concludes that sousveillance—citizen monitoring of power—can be a viable alternative. However, its success depends on support from mainstream media and the actors and interests involved. In the Wadas context, digital activism and sousveillance did not lead to policy change, despite attracting media attention, due to strong economic and political barriers. Furthermore, media coverage of the Wadas’s violence was largely supportive of the government and elites.
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