Analysis of Framing in Online Media Coverage by Transparannews.id and Radarbekasi.id on the Polemic of Rotation and Mutation Policy of Bekasi City Government Officials

Abstract

This study examines the framing employed by two prominent online media outlets, Transparannews.id and Radarbekasi.id, in their coverage of the controversial rotation and mutation policy concerning Echelon III and IV officials within the Bekasi City Government in May 2022. Using Robert Entman’s framing analysis model (defining the problem, diagnosing the cause, making moral judgments, and recommending remedies), this research aims to identify and compare the distinct narrative frames constructed by each media outlet. Qualitative content analysis of selected news articles revealed significant differences in the focus, emphasis, and thematic resonance. Transparannews.id predominantly adopted a "Conflict and Criticism Frame," highlighting bureaucratic inefficiency, resistance from the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), and the alleged mismatch of official placements, thereby defining the problem as a lack of transparency and proper procedure. Conversely, Radarbekasi.id utilized a "Procedural and Resolution Frame," emphasizing the legal compliance, the necessity of the policy for administrative reorganization, and the ultimate issuance of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) permit, which defined the problem as administrative uncertainty that was quickly resolved. The findings demonstrate how journalistic choices in framing political-bureaucratic issues can lead to divergent public perceptions and underscore the critical role of media as political actors in shaping local governance discourse. This research contributes to media studies by providing a localized, comparative analysis of framing in the context of Indonesian regional bureaucratic policy disputes.