Social Movements and Digital Activism on Twitter: A Case Study of Development Conflict over the National Strategic Projects (PSN) Rempang Eco City in Batam

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamics of social movements and digital activism in the
context of the National Strategic Projects (PSN) Rempang Eco City development in
Batam. The research applies Habermas's framework of the public sphere,
emphasizing its inclusive and participatory nature, and extends this concept to digital
platforms. The emergence of cyberspace has transformed traditional public spheres,
enabling various societal actors to communicate and express dissent beyond spatial
and temporal limitations. The Rempang Eco City project is examined as a case of
agrarian conflict, highlighting the tensions between state-driven economic initiatives
and the territorial rights of local communities. As of 2024, the issue remains
prominent and widely discussed, with local disputes gaining visibility through digital
media and contributing to the formation of counter-narratives. The study employs a
qualitative netnographic approach and utilizes Social Network Analysis (SNA) to
analyze Twitter (X) data collected from September 8 to 18, 2023. The analysis
includes public sentiment, trending hashtags, identification of key actors, and the
progression of online discourse. The results indicate that digital activism on Twitter
has played a significant role in social mobilization related to the Rempang conflict.
The SNA findings show that 65% of the networked conversations opposed residential
displacement and criticized the reported use of force by authorities, demonstrating
the effectiveness of digital platforms in shaping public opinion and supporting
collective action.