Framing Analysis on The Visual Cover of Political Magazines in Indonesia

Abstract

Framing in the visualization of political magazine covers in Indonesia is important to understand how the media frames political issues that influence public perception. This research was conducted to find out the framing of the cover of an Indonesian political magazine, using a case study of the cover of Tempo magazine in the February 24 - March 2, 2025 edition, with the main article entitled “Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang”. This research uses a qualitative method with a framing analysis approach of the Robert N. Entman model, by collecting and interpreting visual and textual data from the cover of the February 24-March 2, 2025 edition of Tempo magazine. The research findings show that the visuals in the main image show the silhouette of an eagle facing right like Garuda, the state symbol of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as the writing of the name of the magazine “Tempo” in red, and the title of the main article “Habis Gelap Terbitlah Gelap” in white which symbolizes the red and white flag, the state symbol of the Republic of Indonesia. The black color in the background symbolizes darkness, despair, death, and sadness, while the white color that resembles light symbolizes light, purity, and purity. The message on this cover visual is closely related to the main issue discussed in the magazine which leads to public criticism of the performance of the 100-day government which tends to be negative. This visual conveys a critical message about the political and social situation in Indonesia contained in the main article of the magazine  that it can evoke an emotional response from readers.