Legal Discourse, Digital Activism, and the Rule of Law: An Analysis of Indonesian Public Figures’ Narratives on Social Media

Abstract

The rise of social media has transformed legal discourse and civic engagement in democratic societies. In Indonesia, public figures increasingly use digital platforms to articulate legal principles, critique state practices, and mobilize public awareness. This study examines how legal discourse is constructed and disseminated through digital activism by Indonesian public figures on social media. Using qualitative discourse analysis, this research analyzes selected narratives from Instagram and Twitter posts by prominent legal and media figures. The findings reveal that these narratives emphasize legality, transparency, moral responsibility, and the independence of law from political intervention. The study concludes that digital legal discourse functions as a form of civic legal education and reinforces the rule of law by shaping public understanding and normative expectations toward state institutions.