Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Amidst the heated demonstrations in various regions and the social and political crisis that hit Indonesia, the cover illustration of Tempo Magazine's September 2025 edition entitled "Just Go to China" emerged as a visual that captured public attention. The illustration not only sparked controversy but also gave rise to various debates regarding the social criticism and political messages hidden behind it. The illustration depicts the President's visit to China during domestic chaos. This study aims to dissect the hidden meaning behind the illustration using an interpretive qualitative approach. Charles Sanders Peirce's triadic semiotic theory is used to analyze the relationship between representamen (sign), object (referent), and interpretant (meaning) in the visual elements in the cover illustration. Research data was obtained through visual observation of the illustration and literature studies on media semiotics, visual communication, and social criticism in the mass media. The results show that the illustration satirically constructs a narrative about the neglect of domestic responsibilities amidst a national crisis. The visual of the figure facing away from the ruins of the riot, the use of contrasting colors, and the symbolization of space show a disparity between the diplomatic priorities of the power elite and the humanitarian conditions of the people at home. This research confirms that media illustrations not only function as aesthetic elements, but also as a medium for social and political criticism that is able to shape public opinion and influence the way people interpret social and political realities in Indonesia
Authors: Era Realita, Syfa Khoerunisa
Institution: Universitas Tidar
Language: English
Subfield: Literature and Literary Theory
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225467092