Fostering Social Inclusion through Digital Narratives: Transformative Communication Practices in Local Communities
Zenitha Kurnia Putri

Ilmu Komunikasi FISIP Universitas Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran No.10-11, Ketawanggede, Kec. Lowokwaru, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur, Indonesia

Abstract

The current age of technology has enabled communication to evolve from a simple information exchange to a two-way interactive process where information sharing takes place. Storytelling has always been a powerful tool for communication, although recent advancements in technology have facilitated greater and more effective storytelling for various purposes, including expression, advocacy, and identity creation, particularly for previously excluded groups in society. This research aims to study how people from East Java employ digital storytelling, not only to brand a product or capture an event but also to empower people and drive transformative communication practices that ultimately enhance social inclusion.
The study focuses on three communities, Perempuan Punya Karya East Java chapter, Gedong Ijen Education Creative Center (GIECC), and Detar Foundation, through a qualitative case study approach. For the realization of the study, detailed interviews, participatory observation, and the analysis of other documents were conducted. Their digital narratives are created from lived experiences through which they intend to bring transformational social change, advance the cause of the voiceless, and reconstruct social relations.
Using Paulo Freire^s transformative communication framework, this paper outlines how digital storytelling functions as praxis, which is informed action. Digital storytelling fosters collective awareness as well as builds alternative representations in the realm of public discourse. This study argues that the potential of digital narratives can be harnessed as inclusive and strategic tools for participatory development and grassroots communication.

Keywords: Digital storytelling- transformative communication- social inclusion- local communities- participatory media.

Topic: Digital Communication for Inclusive Societies