Critical reflections on female audiences: reframing true crime narratives in audio-visual documentary for empowerment in Indonesia

This article examines how women interpret their experiences with true crime documentary on Netflix in Indonesia. This article highlights the tendency of these productions to position women as victims while portraying male perpetrators in a more favorable light. Although these shows depict real criminal events involving women, the representation of women as weak and vulnerable reinforces existing social stigmas. Through in-depth interviews with five informants, the findings reveal that true crime media serves not only as entertainment but also as a learning medium that raises awareness of social stigma and societal perceptions of women as victims. The study demonstrates how such media perpetuates stereotypes that portray women as weak, easily manipulated, and often blamed for the crimes they suffer, thereby reinforcing societal narratives that hold women accountable for their own safety, even when placed in precarious situations. The article emphasizes the need for critical reflection on gender representation in media and recommends changes in how crime narratives are framed to avoid reinforcing negative stereotypes about women. This understanding aims to empower women in navigating the challenges they face within society.