Restorative economy mainstreaming in the Global South: the frame of restorative economy in Indonesian media

Purpose This study aims to investigate the challenges of mainstreaming restorative economic issues through Indonesian media practice, focusing on the framing contestation within this discourse – an underexplored topic in the context of the Global South. Design/methodology/approach Using holistic framing analysis, the research incorporates semi-structured interviews with four senior journalists and environmental editors from leading Indonesian economic media and a focus group discussion with three executives from environmental-focused civil society organizations (CSOs). Findings The findings reveal a dominant use of episodic framing, with most media coverage presenting events in isolation from their broader socio-economic contexts. This results in superficial portrayals of restorative economic issues. Media narratives tend to emphasize macro-level themes such as globalization and economic growth while overlooking grassroots innovations and local restorative practices. This imbalance reflects a broader pattern in which media and government narratives align more closely with global economic agendas than with efforts to cultivate meaningful, community-based alternatives. The coverage is often saturated with technical jargon and lacks cohesive storytelling. Furthermore, weak collaboration and limited communication between environmental activists, CSOs and media editorial teams hinder journalists’ ability to grasp and convey the substance and practical dimensions of restorative economics. Social implications The media dynamics perpetuate a fragmented discourse that fails to promote a comprehensive understanding of restorative economic efforts in Indonesia. Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive examination of how the media frames the mainstreaming of the restorative economy in Indonesia. It examines the depth of media coverage, the prioritization of specific sectors and the visibility of key actors in shaping the discourse around restorative economics. By doing so, the study seeks to uncover both the scope and the nuances of public engagement with restorative economic initiatives as reflected in media narratives.