Analysing the failure of the #MeToo social movement in Indonesia

Abstract

Background: The #MeToo movement has become a global campaign that provides a space for survivors of sexual violence to share their experiences through social media. This movement does not only aim to punish perpetrators, but also to raise public awareness to be more responsive to issues of sexual violence around them. Indonesia has participated in this movement, although the issue of sexual violence on social media has not received significant attention. Methods: This research uses a qualitative approach by analysing the involvement of Indonesian society in the #MeToo movement on social media. This analysis was conducted through a literature review related to connective action, which is political participation in cyberspace that does not require commitment to a particular group, as well as the behaviour of social media users in Indonesia. Findings: Despite the massive use of social media in Indonesia, there has been less focus on the issue of sexual violence raised through the #MeToo movement. This is due to the diversity of social media usage patterns and more diverse content in Indonesia. However, social media remains an important platform in connecting individuals involved in the movement and enabling experience sharing and collective identity formation. Conclusion: The #MeToo movement in Indonesia is not as popular as in other countries, but it still plays an important role in raising awareness of sexual violence. Although the focus on the movement has not been as dominant, the connective actions taking place online still provide a space for survivors to share their stories and gain support. Novelty/Originality of This Study: This study highlights how connective action in Indonesia is related to the #MeToo movement in the context of social media use. The findings provide new insights into the limitations and opportunities of using social media as a platform to voice issues of sexual violence in a country with diverse patterns of social media use.