Analisis Batasan Editing Foto Diri Peserta Pemilu Di Surat Suara (Kajian Etika Komunikasi Politik)

Abstract

The research, entitled "Analysis of the Editing Limits of the General Election Participants' Selfies on Newspaper (within a study on Political and Communication Ethics)," discusses the general election candidates' photo manipulation on newspaper within the context of political and communication ethics. Photos on newspaper are a strategic visual media that has to honestly and objectively reflect the candidates' identity. Excessive manipulation erodes the principles of honesty, transparency, and justice in democracy. The research applies critical paradigm using qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with photographer, academician, senior journalist, former head of regional General Election Committee, and communication experts. The results of the research emphasizes that photos on newspaper are to be considered a journalistic product that is subject to the visual honesty principle. Editing is only allowed for minor adjustment such as lighting or composition, without changing the candidates' identities. The photos are obligated to comply with distinct visual standards related to facial proportions, positions, backgrounds, and lightings. Recommendations comprise development of the regulations on editing standard, establishment of special working unit, and guidance to candidate photo uniformity. This guidance consists of firm photo verification process, cultural flexibility, and monitoring over modern editing technology such as Al in order to maintain visual honesty. Implementation of this guidance will help ensure that the candidates' photos represent their original identities, support healthy political participants, and strengthen ethical and transparent democracy.