Moral Economies and Cultural Resistance in Indonesia’s "Galbay" Communities

Abstract

This study examines how Indonesian Facebook "galbay" (deliberate default on loans) communities utilize communicative practices to constitute collective agency. Utilizing a non-participant netnographic approach (150 focal posts; January 2024–October 2025), we analyze everyday discourse, interactional routines, and platform affordances to describe how a moral economy of default is negotiated in-situ. Reflexive thematic coding reveals five interwoven dynamics: (1) moral reframing, which shifts blame onto predatory lenders and abusive collectors; (2) digital solidarity, transforming shame into courage and distributing problem-solving; (3) narrative co-construction, converting personal testimonies into reusable templates for novices; (4) risk-managed strategies that operationalize resistance and negotiate legal-ethical boundaries in semi-public spaces; and (5) the brokerization of mutual assistance into platformed commerce, which necessitates vigilant community moderation. The combination of these dynamics illustrates the co-production of moral legitimacy and practical know-how, making default a viable option against perceived exploitation and privacy violations. Theoretically, this article offers a communication-centered explanation of moral economies in platformed cultures. Practically, it highlights the value of non-participant netnography with situated ethics for sensitive issues. Strategically, it provides implications for platform governance and consumer protection. Ultimately, these findings reposition galbay groups as moral, affective, and pedagogical structures that negotiate obligation, protection, and group care in Indonesia's digital lending ecosystem.