A Multimodal Study of Indonesian Women's Activist Representation in Disaster Mitigation Campaigns in Online Media

¹ Faculty of Communication, Universitas DR. Soetomo, Surabaya, Indonesia
² Media Communication, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This research explores the representation of Indonesian female activists in disaster mitigation campaigns on online media, with a focus on how multimodal strategies shape meanings related to women's roles. The aim is to analyze these representations and evaluate online media through a gender-sensitive disaster communication framework. The method employed is Multimodal Discourse Analysis (MDA) as outlined by Kress and Van Leeuwen. This study examines three online media outlets Mongabay, Tempo, and Metro TV, using data from two female figures, Nur Hidayati and Masudah. The analysis emphasizes semiotic elements, including activation/passivation, naming/categorization, personalization, and visual framing. The findings illustrate that the representation of Indonesian female activists reflects a complex interaction among cultural identity, beliefs, and activism within the context of disaster mitigation. These women are involved not only in pressing environmental issues but also in advocating for social justice, showcasing activism's potential to challenge traditional gender roles. This study underscores the importance of integrating a gender-sensitive approach to disaster communication, which can enhance inclusivity and equality in disaster mitigation efforts and ultimately promote the agency and voice of Indonesian women. The implications of this research contribute to women's empowerment by providing a platform for them to express their unique experiences and perspectives in the realm of disaster mitigation.