In Curhat We Unite (and Divide): Scalable Affective Sociality, Algorithmic Politics, and Social Media in Indonesia

Abstract: This article explores the phenomenon of curhat , a form of emotional communication and expression in Indonesia, and how it has evolved into a critical method of political communication, profoundly shaping social media and political discourse in the country. By examining how curhat transitions from private expressions to public engagements within "scalable affective sociality," the study reveals the fluidity of this practice in shaping personal connections, social dynamics, and political communities. In Indonesia, curhat marks a shift from identity-driven politics to visibilitycentered politics, where collective visibility and interpersonal exchanges take precedence. The article highlights how curhat contributes to the virality of social media activism while being vulnerable to manipulation by political elites through "algorithmic politics," a form of politics that operates by strategically manipulating algorithms to dominate media spheres and shape public opinion. Ultimately, curhat has become a key element in political conversations, blending emotion with political mobilization. It redefines the affective landscape of Indonesian politics, influencing the quality and trajectory of political discourse and engagement.