PRESS RELEASE
Universitas Brawijaya
Number 088/IX/2024
Malang, September 6th, 2024
The Master of Communication Science Study Program, Universitas Brawijaya, held a 3in1 Qualitative Research Methodology Workshop with the theme Ethnographic Expedition in Papua: (Pathology of (Dis) Information, Conflict and “Cipta Kondisi“, Monday-Tuesday (09-10/9/2024). The main speaker was a senior researcher from the Department of Politics and Social Change, Center for Strategic and International Studies Indonesia (CSIS) Dr. Vidhyandika Djati Perkasa, M.Sc.
“Ethnography as a qualitative research method observes shared culture, values, norms,” he said at the workshop attended by new students of the even semester of class 2023 and new students of class 2024.
In his presentation, Dr. Vidhya shared a lot about the results and process of his ethnographic research in Papua. His ethnographic research is entitled “Addressing Disinformation in the Papuan Conflict; Intersectional Actros; Strategies, Motivations, and Funding Sources”. He highlighted the existence of various versions of the story that were deliberately manipulated to create disinformation, which is often used by certain parties for personal gain.
This “engineering of conditions” effort prolongs the conflict and complicates resolution efforts.
The findings show that hoaxes that touch people’s emotions, especially through platforms such as WhatsApp, have accelerated their spread. Sensitive local issues, such as discrimination and social hatred against officials and immigrants, are often used to increase tensions.
This situation, according to Dr. Vidhya, poses a serious threat to social stability in Papua. The report also highlights the importance of digital literacy and public education to combat hoaxes. Firmer handling by the authorities is needed to prevent greater conflict in the future.
The ethnographic research he conducted was a combination of ethnography in society and digital (social media). He said that the results of digital ethnography needed to be confirmed in the field.
“Digital ethnography teaches how to observe the publication of news, what is produced on social media must be confirmed directly in the field,” he said.
He explained how to formulate further problems that can be done by finding out what are the main consequences of online mis/disinformation on the dynamics of conflict in Papua? How is civil society directly and indirectly affected? How can we evaluate these consequences? In addition, how does mis/disinformation exacerbate the risks and vulnerabilities faced by people living in the Papuan conflict area? Who are the actors involved in disinformation and digital manipulation in Papua? How do they connect and build their networks? What are their motives? What platforms do they use/what are their strategies? Who is their target audience? And what is the role of Papuan youth activism in the context of disinformation?
He emphasized that one of the characteristics of ethnography is that we succeed in uncovering the problems of conflict. If conducting ethnographic research, you must be able to meet as many people as possible. Conduct interviews and observations such as seeing how local residents interact.
In the last session, the speaker emphasized that the quality of ethnographic research is not determined by the number of informants, but by the depth of information obtained. Ethnography, according to him, aims to peel back social and cultural layers gradually. The first visit usually only reveals the surface, while subsequent visits allow researchers to dig deeper. In addition, it is recommended that researchers be careful in communicating at the initial stage, avoiding language, gestures, or facial expressions that can offend informants.
This seminar is expected to be able to build synergy between academics and practitioners in developing research in the field of communication science that can answer the challenges of the times. With a strong understanding of research methodology, participants are expected to be able to produce research that not only contributes to the development of science but also provides practical solutions for society. [UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
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