Media Framing and Audience Reactions to the 3-Kg LPG Restriction: A Youtube Comment Analysis of Metro TV’s “Putus Distribusi ‘Gas Melon’ Di Pengecer”

This study analyses public sentiment, thematic concerns, and media framing regarding Indonesia’s subsidized LPG policy through YouTube comments on a Metro TV discussion video. Using sentiment analysis, we find that 53% of comments express negative sentiment, indicating public dissatisfaction with policy implementation. Thematic analysis reveals three key concerns: (1) economic burdens on small retailers, (2) government mismanagement, and (3) affordability and accessibility issues. The dominance of “Adian” in the discussion suggests that his criticism of the policy resonated strongly with the audience, reinforcing negative perceptions of the government. Conversely, other figures, such as Nurdin Halid, received significantly less attention, indicating weaker public engagement with their perspectives. Media framing played a significant role in shaping discourse, amplifying anti-government narratives and scepticism toward state institutions. The findings highlight the need for more transparent and inclusive LPG distribution policies and better engagement with affected stakeholders. Additionally, the study underscores the growing influence of social media in shaping policy debates, suggesting that future research should examine the long-term impact of digital discourse on governance and public trust.