Keywords: Democracy, Euphoria, Mass Media, Vigilance.
WIN Media, Opinion – The night of takbiran is one of the most anticipated moments for Muslims in Indonesia. Thousands of voices echo from mosques, prayer rooms, and village corners, chanting “Allahu Akbar” as a symbol of victory after a month of fasting. The air is filled with joy, yet beneath this thunder lies a profound meaning: that true greatness belongs to God, while human beings—with all their achievements—remain limited and must continually engage in self-reflection.
This analogy feels remarkably close to our democratic dynamics, especially in the role of the mass media. The media often acts as the “loudspeaker” of takbiran: amplifying the euphoria of democratic victory, voicing the people’s hopes, and igniting collective spirit. But the critical question is: does the media merely join the cheering, or does it also fulfill the function of vigilance that lies at the core of the press’s responsibility as the fourth pillar of democracy?
Media as the Loudspeaker of Euphoria
In every important political moment—elections, regime change, the birth of progressive policies—the mass media becomes a key actor in shaping the narrative of victory. It possesses an extraordinary power to build optimism and public participation. Like the takbir resonating on the night of Eid al-Fitr, the media’s voice can unite hopes and lend legitimacy to democratic processes.
However, unchecked euphoria carries significant risks. Tapsell (2020), in his study on media and politics in Indonesia, notes that media too caught up in the “euphoria of victory” tend to overlook the complexity of political reality. The focus on cheering sidelines the watchdog function. The media can lose objectivity and gradually turn into a mouthpiece for power or simply follow the tide of popularity.
This is where the problem lies. Healthy euphoria is one that still leaves room for introspection. Without it, the takbir of democracy becomes nothing but an empty echo that quickly fades.
Four Risks Behind Euphoria
At least four major risks loom when the media becomes immersed in democratic euphoria.
First, disinformation and hoaxes. In times of euphoria, speed often takes precedence over accuracy. Online media, in particular, race to be the first to broadcast good news without adequate verification. Lim (2022), in his research on misinformation in Indonesia’s digital space, found that politically “uplifting” news actually spreads more easily and is less frequently verified than bad news. Political hoaxes often begin with “good news” that turns out to be false.
Second, polarization and public fragmentation. Media that lean too heavily toward one side during democratic euphoria not only lose their independence but also deepen social divisions. Instead of acting as social glue, they create echo chambers that reinforce one-sided truths. Fathiyah (2023) reveals that media-amplified polarization during Indonesia’s political cycles correlates with a decline in the quality of public deliberation and an increase in political intolerance.
Third, commercialization and political interests. Democratic euphoria is often exploited by media owners and political elites to control narratives. A study by Haris (2024) shows that the concentration of media ownership in the hands of a few political and business actors has eroded editorial independence, especially during critical political moments. Unwary media may lose their critical function and become tools of power legitimation under the guise of “people’s aspirations.”
Fourth, the erosion of the control function. When the media is swept up in euphoria, its critical oversight of power becomes blunt. Yet the essence of democracy is the balance of power. Media that cheer without watching are akin to letting democracy run without brakes. Nugroho and Putri (2023) emphasize that weak media control in the post-election period contributes to the rise of transactional political practices that harm the public interest.
Maintaining a Responsible Takbir
So, what must be done? Just as Eid al-Fitr teaches a “return to the original nature” (fitrah), the media must also introspect and return to journalistic fitrah: siding with truth, not with power or popularity. The principles of verification, balance, and independence must become the main guidelines, especially in moments of euphoria.
Editors-in-chief play a crucial role as guardians, ensuring that euphoria does not exceed professional boundaries. The Press Council should also appreciate media that consistently uphold ethics and firmly sanction those who violate the journalistic code of ethics. Without consistent enforcement, the quality of the press will continue to erode.
Moreover, media are responsible not only for the content they produce but also for public education. Through media literacy segments, fact-checking spaces, and interactive dialogues, media can invite readers not to be easily swept away by euphoria and to always verify information before sharing it. Several media outlets have already started such good practices—for example, providing platforms for multiple perspectives or consistently conducting fact-checking amid political euphoria. These practices need to become the standard, not merely optional.
Wise Euphoria, Productive Vigilance
The mass media is an inseparable part of democracy. Its ability to generate euphoria is a gift to be appreciated. Yet if not balanced with vigilance, euphoria can turn into a pseudo-euphoria that damages the very foundations of democracy.
Like the takbiran that resounds at the end of Ramadan, the spirit of democracy must also be proclaimed with full awareness: that greatness belongs to God, while human beings and their institutions, including the media, always have limitations. No victory is eternal, and no democracy is healthy without continuous oversight.
Let us make the Lebaran moment a time of reflection for press people: to continue being the loudspeaker of the people, but also the guardians who never tire of reminding. Euphoria without vigilance is negligence; vigilance without euphoria is despair. A healthy media is one capable of embracing both—celebrating the victories of democracy with full responsibility, while remaining alert amid the roar of cheers.