Papuaganda Machine: A Look at Indonesia's Burgeoning Social Media Influence Campaigns

Authors

• Leland Fecher, Clemson University
• Patrick Warren, Clemson UniversityFollow
• BB Fonseca, Clemson University
• Kylie Gilbert, Clemson University
• Peter McLean, Clemson University
• Kameron Pereira, Clemson University
• Miles Rockow, Clemson University
• Alexander Sharp, Clemson University
• Katelyn Smith, Clemson University

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

10-7-2026

Abstract

Western Papua, a region which borders Papua New Guinea and is officially a part of the Republic of Indonesia, has a long history of conflict with the Indonesian government stretching back to their independence from Dutch colonialism in 1961. While Indonesia sees Papua as legally belonging within the republic, the legitimacy of this claim has been rejected by Papuan liberation movements. This division continues to manifest in violent conflict to this day. While international coverage of this conflict remains minimal, there is significant media coverage and discussion within Indonesia, especially on social media. This social media coverage often favors the Indonesian government and presents a one-sided narrative against Papuan liberation movements. Additionally, a history of apparent meddling in the discourse about Papua pushed us to investigate the matter further.

Recommended Citation

Fecher, Leland; Warren, Patrick; Fonseca, BB; Gilbert, Kylie; McLean, Peter; Pereira, Kameron; Rockow, Miles; Sharp, Alexander; and Smith, Katelyn, "Papuaganda Machine: A Look at Indonesia's Burgeoning Social Media Influence Campaigns" (2026). Media Forensics Hub Creative Inquiry Reports. 13.
https://open.clemson.edu/mfh_ci_reports/13