Behind the Screen: Navigating Ethical Challenges in Digital Investigative Journalism in the Indonesian Media Landscape

Abstract

In the era of digital media, investigative journalists frequently encounter ethical complexities intensified by commercial, political, and editorial constraints. The primary objective of this study is to examine how investigative journalists operating in the Indonesian digital media landscape navigate ethical challenges while maintaining professional integrity.  Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, the research delves into the lived experiences of eight investigative reporters working in digital platforms, each with prior exposure to high-stakes ethical conflicts. Through semi-structured interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis, four primary themes emerged: the clash between personal ethics and institutional mandates, the emotional toll of self-censorship under threat, the ambiguity of existing ethical guidelines, and the development of resilience through alternative ethical practices. These findings uncover the intricate psychological and moral dimensions that shape ethical journalism in practice. Rather than depicting ethical decision-making as purely guided by codes and regulations, this study highlights it as a fluid and often solitary negotiation influenced by personal meaning, fear, and contextual pressures. The research contributes to a richer understanding of journalism ethics by amplifying the voices of practitioners and emphasizing the urgent need for more responsive institutional support. The insights presented also have broader implications for shaping ethical frameworks attuned to the realities of digital investigative reporting.