Narrative Contestation in Mangrove Conservation in Jakarta Bay

This study analyzes the contestation of narratives surrounding mangrove conservation and ecotourism development in Jakarta Bay through a critical discourse analysis of online media articles. Media narratives are not neutral; they are shaped by the interests of actors such as the government, NGOs, the private sector, and local communities. The aim of this research is to examine how media construct discourses on mangrove ecotourism and giant sea wall project, which actors are amplified or marginalized, and how these narratives influence public perception and conservation policy directions. Using Fairclough’s critical discourse framework, the study finds that media often reproduce dominant narratives from institutional actors, while local community voices are frequently sidelined. These findings highlight the need for stronger media literacy and more participatory approaches in the development of ecotourism rooted in ecological and social justice. Keywords: Critical discourse, Online media, Giant Sea Wall, Mangrove conservation, Ecotourism, Jakarta Bay