THE INDONESIAN CONSTITUTIONAL COURT’S REPUTATION CRISIS OVER NEWS ON PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AGE LIMIT DECISION

Abstract

The news about the Constitutional Court's (MK) decision regarding the age limit lawsuit for presidential and vice-presidential candidates became a crucial political issue at the end of 2023. The media dialectic presents diverse public opinions, including expressions of discontent towards the MK, which became a popular topic on social media. This research examines the MK’s reputation in relation to the coverage of this decision in mass media and social media. The researchers adopt a Communication Studies perspective, employing Agenda Setting Theory and Crisis Management Theory. A qualitative approach with desk research is used. Data collection is limited to digital mass media and social media platforms X and Instagram. Brand24 is utilized as a digital tool to map actors, issues, trends, and public sentiment. Data was collected from October to November 2023, and triangulation was conducted to ensure the study’s validity. The findings indicate that public discussions focus on the MK’s decision, MK judges, the political system, and governance. The public tends to hold negative sentiment regarding the MK’s decision, the background of MK judges, distrust in the political system, and government authorities. The study concludes that coverage of this decision articulates a close relationship between the government and the MK. The MK’s reputation is in a state of crisis due to the dominance of negative discourse in digital media. The reputation crisis reflects public awareness of potential power abuse for personal interests.