Hoax and Hate Speech: Social Media andthe Rise of Tribal Nationalism in 2019 Indonesia Presidential Election

This article discusses the relationship between social media and the Indonesian presidential election in 2019. It is not surprising that sectarianism and racism have played some significant roles in the election and social media. Both of them were used frequently during the campaign and have contributed to the polarization among Indonesians. However, to set the contestation among ordinary citizens on social media in an opposed binary is incorrect. Marked by the utilization of volunteers, buzzers, and micro-celebrities, the Indonesia presidential election in 2019 has exemplified post-truth politics by utilizing volunteers, buzzers, and some celebrities. While encouraging freedom of expression, social media is used not only to encourage freedom of expression but also to encourage freedom of hate speech; to voice their opinions but silence others. Thus, it is clear that social media and electoral politics have a complex relation. Therefore, it is suggested that there should be mutual shaping between users and algorithms results forming “algorithmic enclaves” which may produce some forms of tribal nationalism. Within these multiple online enclaves, social media users claim and legitimize their own versions of nationalism by excluding equality and justice for others.