Book Chapters by Pradipa P Rasidi
Digital Technologies and Democracy in Southeast Asia (ISEAS), 2021
Through this chapter I attempt to argue that buzzer operations in Indonesia are not merely in the... more Through this chapter I attempt to argue that buzzer operations in Indonesia are not merely in the form of click farms whose operators are driven by monetary incentives, but a creative labor that is contextualized by the moral world of the actors enmeshed within Indonesian political culture. Buzzing is not always a mere work, but can also be a political play through which they gain a sense of agency. Further, I argue that we cannot isolate the phenomenon of political buzzer as a uniquely digital phenomenon. In this case, buzzer subcontract work is intertwined with the phenomenon of political voluntarism. As I will demonstrate, buzzer subcontract work lives on a certain moment where Indonesian media ecology plays a vital role in informing and involving public engagement with politics— where there is a feedback loop between news outlets and social media—in which middle class citizens are involved as netizens.
Briefs & Reports by Pradipa P Rasidi
EngageMedia, 2024
Our research investigates how journalists overcome this situation through their security percepti... more Our research investigates how journalists overcome this situation through their security perceptions and practices. We found that predominant threats and risks to journalists stem from low-tech surveillance and control. The use of digital security applications, often recommended in training, presents a dilemma for journalists in Myanmar. Such tools can arouse suspicion during military inspections, and practical challenges render password managers and encryption tools less effective. Journalists might find themselves in areas without network access, lacking the time to secure their data, or else compelled to unlock encrypted files in the face of immediate threats. Moreover, the advice to migrate entirely to secure communication platforms proves impossible, as it disconnects journalists from their essential relational networks. Beyond journalists’ individual capacity, we also note how resource allocation within media organisations is notably skewed. Ethnic and independent media operate with significant financial and operational limitations. Alongside the challenges in implementing contextual, sufficient organisational security protocols across different media houses, long-standing issues such as wage disparities among journalists persist. Throughout the report, we underscore the necessity of a holistic approach to security. In addition to enhancing digital savviness, security training must consider the need to safeguard physical and psychological well-being, implement organisational security protocols, and, most importantly, actively involve journalists in the training design.
Influence Industry Explorer, 2023
The “buzzer” industry in Indonesia–an industry of influence operators working behind the scenes–h... more The “buzzer” industry in Indonesia–an industry of influence operators working behind the scenes–has been increasingly visible and economically important in Indonesia beyond only their work on digital campaigns. Becoming involved with a buzzer agency allows young marginalized people an opportunity to leave the workforce of physical labor and establish themselves in the increasingly digitized professional landscape. The industry will be critical in the upcoming 2024 elections and beyond. Pradipa P. Rasidi, a digital anthropologist, gives us an insider’s perspective into the buzzers’ post-Covid business model, highlighting how the industry is transforming working-class youth into politically influential groups.
ISEAS Perspective, 2021
The passing of the Omnibus Law in Parliament, on 5 October 2020, prompted mass protests and a mas... more The passing of the Omnibus Law in Parliament, on 5 October 2020, prompted mass protests and a massive upsurge in online agitation. In this picture, activists take part in a protest against a government omnibus bill on job creation, which they believe will deprive workers of their rights, in Surabaya on
ISEAS Perspective, 2022
Political buzzers use social media not only to spread propaganda, but also to expose "hidden fact... more Political buzzers use social media not only to spread propaganda, but also to expose "hidden facts", claiming to provide glimpses into the secret life of Indonesian politics.
Inside Indonesia, Oct 13, 2021
Amidst Indonesian pandemic mismanagement, government institutions massively mobilized cyber troop... more Amidst Indonesian pandemic mismanagement, government institutions massively mobilized cyber troops (buzzers and influencers, tasked to disseminate certain perspectives in online campaign) to promote and argue for the necessity of New Normal campaign - a call to return to normal life during pandemic.
Based on digital ethnographic research interviews, we attempt to understand pattern and structure in this campaign, as well as examine perspectives from cyber troops involved. We found that for cyber troops themselves the conduct of the operation itself is dillemmatic; at the same time, pandemic has normalized the use of cyber troops for government institutions.
Inside Indonesia, Oct 13, 2021
The Indonesian Omnibus Law protest in 2020 was met with harsh response by the government. In this... more The Indonesian Omnibus Law protest in 2020 was met with harsh response by the government. In this paper we discuss the role played by cyber troops (buzzers and influencers tasked in online campaign) to support Jokowi's policy and crush dissent.
The paper is based on digital ethnography research and interviews. Through an examination of this online campaign, we note the possible involvement of business conglomerates and political elites to push the problematic bill and deter criticism.
Inside Indonesia, Oct 13, 2021
Based on digital ethnographic research and interviews, this article examines the use and abuse of... more Based on digital ethnographic research and interviews, this article examines the use and abuse of the state ideology Pancasila among political buzzers (or cyber troops, persons tasked in online political communication) in Indonesia.
In contrary to false dichotomy of pro-diversity pro-government 'cebong' vs pro-Islamism opposition 'kadrun', both sides appear to invoke the languages of state ideology and nationalism to make their point - perhaps not too dissimilar from New Order political language. We call for the need to strip away this loyalty to the nation-state.
Articles by Pradipa P Rasidi
HAU: Journal of Ethnographic Theory, 2022
Discussions of embodiment in the virtual world mostly focus on online games and virtual reality t... more Discussions of embodiment in the virtual world mostly focus on online games and virtual reality technologies. By taking the caseof Indonesian buzzers — persons employed to propagate opinions on certain issues or products — we argue that social mediaplatforms also allow for virtual embodiment occurring within a Twitter cyberplace. This article theorizes virtual bodies by ex-amining Merleau-Ponty ’ s phenomenological approach. We also work with Boelstorff ’ s conception of chora and virtual bodiesto argue that virtual bodies can be seen as a practical extension of physical bodies: a cyborg body. Intertwined within marketing relations, we then attempt to see how this amalgam of physical and virtual bodies is disciplined by panopticism, while brie y considering local Javanese particularities in shaping this discipline. Thus, through this examination of an Indonesian case, webring up wider theoretical issues on social media, technologies of governance, and subjectivity.
Jurnal Komunikatif, 2021
Digital literacy is often proposed as a way to combat misinformation. However, the conception emp... more Digital literacy is often proposed as a way to combat misinformation. However, the conception emphasizes individual competency. This conception is rooted in liberal assumption that places individual ethos as a public moral guardian. Left unanswered is the action taken by individuals itself and its meaning for them: what does it mean to spread misinformation? In the context of political misinformation, the inquiry goes further: what does it mean to engage in politics? To answer these questions, this paper attempts to move beyond digital literacy argument by investigating misinformation during Jakarta 2017 Election. Based on practice theory and theory on Indonesian politics, it focuses on the architectural configuration of the digital platform in which misinformation is spread, as well as the political culture that shapes such action. This paper attempts to refute the claims that misinformation is tied to religious populism and is inherently amplified by technological configuration. E...
Proceedings by Pradipa P Rasidi
7th International Symposium of Journal Antropologi Indonesia, 2019
On discussing political manipulation on the internet, there has been not enough examination on ho... more On discussing political manipulation on the internet, there has been not enough examination on how propaganda is performed by the persons tasked to do the work. This paper looks at the performance of political buzzers: individuals employed to manage several social media accounts to disseminate information concerning electoral candidates. The paper argues that the lives of digital propaganda cannot be isolated from Indonesian post-authoritarian experience, where political participation has been limited only to electoral ballot. Being a political buzzer allows a certain kind of civic engagement, where the performers gain a sense of agency in directing political narratives.
Rethinking Disciplined Bodies: Virtual Embodiment in Physical Realities of Social Media (with Tony Rudyansjah)
The Asia Pacific Research in Social Science and Humanities, 2018
Discussions of embodiment in virtual world mostly focus on online games and virtual reality techn... more Discussions of embodiment in virtual world mostly focus on online games and virtual reality technologies, where bodies are represented by 3D character models usually called as avatar. By taking the case of social media buzzers, I argue that embodiment in virtual world may also happen in other forms, such as in social media platforms. For that purpose, I examine the theorizing of virtual bodies and embodiment which puts forward Merleau-Ponty's phenomenological perspective as an attempt to counter the common Neo-Cartesian perception that cyberspace is disembodied. Then I bring forward and expand Boellstorff's conception of virtual bodies as being-inworld, situated in the configuration of its virtuality. Virtuality in social media is as embodied as the ones with character representation; both expand the bodily perception. I propose the argument further by seeing virtual bodies as a practical extension of physical bodies. It is akin to a limb: a part of the body that is in motion with one’s everyday practice. In this sense, it is possible for having a virtual body as a cyborg—that is, the virtual body is an extension not just of perception, but also as a technology that cannot be separated from everyday practice.
Essays by Pradipa P Rasidi
Kompas, 2025
Fenomena AI tidak sepenuhnya baru. Cara AI diproduksi, dan juga cara pengguna berinteraksi dengan... more Fenomena AI tidak sepenuhnya baru. Cara AI diproduksi, dan juga cara pengguna berinteraksi dengannya, terpaut sejarah kita mempraktikkan teknologi digital.
Contrary to the stereotypical portrayal of the "medieval" period as being backward and oppressive... more Contrary to the stereotypical portrayal of the "medieval" period as being backward and oppressive, religious dialogue was more actively mediated. This article takes lessons from the Abbasid caliphate and a glimpse from late-antique Christianity.
The Indonesian Religious Affairs Ministry’s acknowledgment of the Baha’i faith as an official rel... more The Indonesian Religious Affairs Ministry’s acknowledgment of the Baha’i faith as an official religion is good news preceding the installment of the new administration. However, there is still much work to be done: concerning the difficulties faced by believers of faiths outside the six official religions in expressing their piety.
Uploads
Book Chapters by Pradipa P Rasidi
Briefs & Reports by Pradipa P Rasidi
Based on digital ethnographic research interviews, we attempt to understand pattern and structure in this campaign, as well as examine perspectives from cyber troops involved. We found that for cyber troops themselves the conduct of the operation itself is dillemmatic; at the same time, pandemic has normalized the use of cyber troops for government institutions.
The paper is based on digital ethnography research and interviews. Through an examination of this online campaign, we note the possible involvement of business conglomerates and political elites to push the problematic bill and deter criticism.
In contrary to false dichotomy of pro-diversity pro-government 'cebong' vs pro-Islamism opposition 'kadrun', both sides appear to invoke the languages of state ideology and nationalism to make their point - perhaps not too dissimilar from New Order political language. We call for the need to strip away this loyalty to the nation-state.
Articles by Pradipa P Rasidi
Proceedings by Pradipa P Rasidi
Essays by Pradipa P Rasidi