Framing Media News of Rohingya Refugees in Human Rights

Abstract

The humanitarian crisis experienced by the Rohingya refugees has attracted significant international attention, including in Indonesia, where media coverage plays an important role in shaping public understanding and policy discourse. This study aims to examine the media framing of Rohingya refugee issues in Tempo.co during the period of December 18, 2023, to January 14, 2024, with a particular focus on the representation of Human Rights (HR) perspectives. Employing a qualitative research approach, this study utilizes Robert N. Entman’s framing analysis model, which consists of problem definition, causal interpretation, moral evaluation, and treatment recommendation. Data were collected from selected news articles published by Tempo.co and analyzed to identify dominant frames and their implications for public perception. The findings reveal that Tempo.co framed the Rohingya refugee issue not merely as a migration problem but as a humanitarian and human rights concern requiring collective responsibility. The first article emphasized the Indonesian government's limitations in addressing the refugee influx and highlighted the need for policy adjustments. The second article focused on the suffering of refugees and underscored the importance of humanitarian assistance and international cooperation. The third article examined local resistance in Aceh and acts of hostility by several student groups, framing them as challenges that necessitate public education, social awareness, and stronger protection mechanisms. The fourth article highlighted government efforts to provide adequate shelters and improve refugee welfare. Overall, the study demonstrates that media framing significantly influences public opinion by constructing specific interpretations of refugee issues. Furthermore, Tempo.co consistently promoted a human rights-oriented narrative, encouraging empathy, social responsibility, and policy responses that prioritize humanitarian values in addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis.