In late August 2025, Indonesia’s digital public sphere was abruptly disrupted. “ Social media played a central role, not just as a communication tool, but as protest infrastructure. Algorithms of discontent: Why social media mattersIndonesia is one of the world’s most active social media markets, with over 143 million users across platforms. Meanwhile, police have blocked over 500 social media accounts and designated seven digital organisers as suspects. From diagnostic framing (“who’s to blame”) to prognostic framing (“what can be done”), the digital public is evolving into a civic force.