Misconceptions of the Punk Community in Indonesia Online Media Narratives

The punk phenomenon in Indonesia is often misunderstood as the behaviour of aimless street children. This study is significant due to such misconceptions are influenced by dominant narratives in online media, which frequently equate punk with street children. Previous studies have focused more on cultural or economic aspects without elaborating on the fundamental differences between punk communities and street children. Therefore, this research poses three central questions: (1) Why is punk often equated with street children? (2) Why is punk associated with violence? (3) Why is punk perceived as lacking clear purpose? This study adopts a descriptive qualitative approach, focusing on online media in Indonesia. Primary data were collected from 200 online news articles published between 2018 and 2024 using the keywords punk children and street children. The findings reveal three main themes: media narratives that equate punk with street children, portrayals of punk as a symbol of violence, and perceptions of punk as lacking a clear purpose. This research offers an important contribution to understanding the role of media in shaping cultural stigma. It recommends a more inclusive media policy approach and public education to reduce these misconceptions, while also opening pathways for further studies on the role of culture in shaping social perceptions.