THE MAPPING OF INDONESIAN AND MALAYSIAN ALTERNATIVE MEDIA

Abstract

This research addresses the often-overlooked role of alternative media due to its “alternative” ethics, goals, and standards. This research argues that alternative media’s roles in providing space for counter-narrative to mainstream discourse should be investigated further. The objective of this study is to understand the structural conditions and challenges faced by alternative media outlets in Indonesia and Malaysia, both in its formative years and in contemporary era. The research uses a life history approach to explore the evolution of these media platforms, particularly in the digital age. The findings show how alternative media in both countries challenge mainstream media by focusing on underreported political, positioning partisanship for certain groups they viewed as marginalized, and advocating for social change and accountability. Despite limited resources, and sustainability concerns these outlets managed to influence public discourse. Challenges such as political bias, corporate interests, and restrictive legal regulations persist to limit the broader impact of alternative media.