Exploring the narrative divide: contrasting perspectives on the West Papua conflict in various media
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This article explores the narrative divide in the portrayal of the West Papua conflict by analyzing the coverage from three prominent media outlets: the Indonesian Kompas, the British BBC, and the Qatari Al Jazeera over the period 2014–2024. Utilizing content analysis and a comparative case study approach, this research aims to uncover how these media narratives differ and what factors influence these differences. The study is grounded in the theories of cultural proximity and framing, providing a nuanced understanding of how media portrayals are shaped by cultural, historical, and political contexts. The Indonesian media’s focus on national unity and sovereignty, juxtaposed with Western concerns about human rights and Middle Eastern perspectives, reveals the complexities and biases inherent in global media coverage. This comparative analysis underscores the importance of media literacy and critical thinking in interpreting news about international conflicts. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on media representation, framing, and the role of cultural context in shaping public perception and policy.
Source: Media Asia
Author: Lucie Konečná
Institution: Masaryk University
Language: English
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Funder: Masarykova Univerzita
OpenAlex ID: W4412511268