Insaniyat: Journal of Islam and Humanities
Insaniyat: Journal of Islam and Humanities is a scholarly journal published by the Faculty of Adab and Humanities, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, Indonesia. It is a medium for scholarly discussion concerning media, culture, and humanities, including the newer information and communication technologies in Muslim societies, within cultural and historical contexts.
Faculty of Adab and Humanities, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta
Linguistic Landscape in Braga Street, Bandung: Multilingual Practices and Cultural Identity
This study investigates the linguistic landscape of Jalan Braga, Bandung, a heritage street rich in historical and cultural significance. Using a qualitative descriptive design, data were collected through photographic documentation, field observation, and secondary sources, resulting in 60 signage items analyzed. Findings reveal that monolingual signage dominates (68.3%), particularly in English and Indonesian, followed by bilingual (23.3%) and multilingual signs (8.4%). The results demonstrate that English functions both as a global lingua franca and a branding tool, while Indonesian serves as a marker of national identity. Dutch signage symbolizes colonial heritage, whereas Sundanese, though limited in number, reflects local cultural identity. Multilingual signs, though fewer, strategically integrate languages such as Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin to project cosmopolitanism and cultural hybridity. The study highlights how language use in Braga reflects not only practical communication but also symbolic functions tied to identity, history, and globalization. This research contributes to linguistic landscape studies by emphasizing the interplay of colonial, national, local, and global languages in urban heritage spaces.
Copyright (c) 2025 Eris Risnawati, Muh Ardian Kurniawan, Zamzam Nurhuda, Yasir Mubarok https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Promoting a Smiling Islam: Religious Moderation in the Virtual Da'wah of Habib Husein Ja'far
The emergence of new media has reshaped the landscape of Islamic da’wah in Indonesia, shifting religious authority from traditional institutions to digital platforms. This article seeks to discuss how Habib Husein Ja’far Al Hadar—one of Indonesia’s most influential millennial preachers (dai)—promotes a form of “Smiling Islam,” characterized by tolerance, inclusivity, and religious moderation, through his YouTube channel “Jeda Nulis.” Employing Social Network Analysis (SNA) and content analysis of twenty-one videos uploaded between 2019 and 2023, this article identifies four key indicators of religious moderation: tolerance, anti-violence, national commitment, and acceptance of tradition. Findings show that Husein Ja’far’s da’wah is dominated by messages of tolerance (82.4%) and non-violence (58.5%), supported by a millennial-friendly communication style, interfaith dialogues, and collaborations with influencers. The study also explores contestation surrounding his online presence, particularly accusations of Shia affiliation propagated by right-wing Islamic actors and conservative groups within Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). SNA of audience responses indicates that the majority of netizens reject these accusations, highlighting the role of media framing and communication distortion in shaping sectarian narratives. Overall, the research demonstrates that Habib Husein Ja’far’s digital da’wah not only challenges the dominance of conservative voices in Indonesia’s virtual religious sphere but also contributes significantly to mainstreaming religious moderation among young Muslims.
Copyright (c) 2025 Insaniyat : Journal of Islam and Humanities https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Exploring the Meaning of University Library Instagram Accounts: Librarian and Users Perspective
This study explores the meaning of two Instagram accounts of Academic Library; the UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta and the University of Indonesia, focusing on their posts and engagement. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to collect data through semi-structured interviews with librarians who manage the accounts and their users who follow the accounts. Instagram has become a central platform for communication and promotion in academic libraries, as evidenced by the University of Indonesia (UI) and UIN Sunan Kalijaga. They use it to share service-related information, document library activities, and encourage student engagement. UI manages its accounts through a centralized system, while UIN uses a collaborative model. However, both institutions emphasize inter-unit coordination and developing librarians' digital design and public communication skills. Despite its potential, Instagram faces several challenges in the library context. These include limited content diversity, low response rates to direct messages, and inadequate visual design skills among account managers. These limitations hinder the platform's ability to meet students' information needs effectively and diminish its capacity to build emotional connections with users. Furthermore, librarians often perceive Instagram as a formal institutional tool, limiting its communicative flexibility and user-centric appeal. To address this, a more humanistic content strategy combining storytelling, an interactive carousel format, and participatory features is needed. This approach would enable more dynamic, two-way communication, increase user engagement, and strengthen the library's image as an inclusive, responsive, and digitally relevant space within the academic community.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ida Farida, Prisinta Wanastri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Post-Truth and the Epistemological Crisis: Reconstructing Truth in the Evolving Landscape of Social Media
The rapid expansion of digital media and the surge of misinformation have created a profound epistemological crisis that challenges established notions of truth and knowledge. This study analyzes the reconstruction of truth in the post-truth era, in which emotional narratives and ideological biases frequently outweigh empirical evidence. Employing a descriptive-analytical method, the research explores the implications of post-truth dynamics for epistemic authority, public trust, and digital literacy. Primary and secondary sources including academic literature, books, and peer-reviewed articles on epistemology and digital media are examined to provide a comprehensive theoretical framework. The findings indicate that misinformation is often fueled by emotional persuasion, algorithmic personalization intensifies ideological polarization, and diminishing institutional credibility accelerates epistemic relativism. These conditions collectively weaken society’s capacity to distinguish reliable information from falsehoods. The study concludes that reconstructing truth in the digital age requires a multidimensional strategy that integrates robust digital literacy, transparent media practices, and strengthened epistemic responsibility. Such an approach is essential to restoring informed judgment, rebuilding trust, and safeguarding the integrity of knowledge in contemporary public discourse.
Copyright (c) 2025 Arrasyid, Taufiqurrahman, Sarwan, Widia Fithri, Rido Putra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Social Deixis and Power Relations in Habib Ja’far’s YouTube Preaching
This study examines how personal and social deixis function as pragmatic strategies in the YouTube sermons of Habib Ja’far, a prominent figure in popularizing contemporary Islamic discourse. Adopting a qualitative sociopragmatic approach, the research analyzes twenty-two video excerpts across multiple YouTube channels—Jeda Nulis, VINDES, Metro TV, and Close the Door—to investigate how linguistic choices mediate persona construction, audience engagement, and digital religious authority. The analysis integrates Levinson’s (1983) framework of deixis, Goffman’s (1981) concept of footing, Brown and Levinson’s (1987) politeness theory, and Bell’s (1984) audience design model, contextualized within Campbell’s (2012) notion of performative digital authority. Findings reveal four dominant patterns: (1) personal deixis (saya, aku, gua, kita) as a tool for negotiating persona and inclusivity; (2) social deixis (Mbah, Bang Haji, Sahabat saya yang non-Muslim) as a resource for structuring hierarchy and solidarity; (3) intertextual deixis linking modern egalitarian speech with prophetic authority; and (4) cross-format deixis variation reflecting adaptive pragmatics across genres and platforms. The study concludes that Habib Ja’far’s deixis exemplifies a hybrid, performative, and participatory model of religious authority, where linguistic adaptability and relational sincerity underpin the effectiveness of Islamic communication in the digital public sphere.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Religious Moderation Discourses on Digital Platforms
This research examines the dissemination of religious moderation discourses through digital platforms, particularly YouTube, by analyzing lectures from two moderate dai, Gus Baha and Adi Hidayat. In light of social change and the evolution of digital media, the study aims to identify the values of religious moderation reflected in their messages. Key research questions address the various da’wah approaches utilized on YouTube and how these pillars such as commitment to national unity, respect for diversity, rejection of violence, and openness to local wisdom are communicated to audiences. Employing a qualitative approach with content analysis, the study selects lecture videos through purposive sampling based on view count and thematic relevance. The findings reveal that both Gus Baha and Adi Hidayat effectively use digital platforms to convey moderation messages, albeit through different strategies. Gus Baha focuses on cultural narratives familiar to the community, while Adi Hidayat employs a scientific, structured approach rooted in religious texts. The analysis indicates that YouTube serves not only as a channel for disseminating moderate religious information but also plays a critical role in preventing radicalization by providing inclusive content. In conclusion, this study offers contribution to digital literacy policy by highlighting the role of digital media in enhancing religious moderation in Indonesia amidst complex information flows and underscores the importance of digital literacy in amplifying the positive impact of moderation messages online.
Copyright (c) 2025 Insaniyat : Journal of Islam and Humanities https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Museums University as Catalysts for Islamic Cultural Heritage Preservation and Learning Laboratories
As a pioneer of university museums among state Islamic universities in Indonesia, the UIN Malang and UIN Banda Aceh museums play a vital role as role models for other UINs in managing and empowering university museums as important units in higher education institutions. The purpose of this study is to discuss the UIN Malang and Banda Aceh museums in playing a role as preservation institutions of cultural heritage and a learning laboratory in organizing learning activities for academics and the community outside the campus. By using a qualitative approach and case study method, data collection techniques are observation, in-depth interviews with museum managers and academics. Data analysis is carried out by reducing data, presenting data and drawing conclusions. The findings of the study show that the academics and the community engagement is not as an object in preserving the cultural heritage of Islam and Indonesia. Academics, community leaders and community groups jointly play an active role in carrying out conservation activities. The same thing is also done by museum managers by involving academics and the community to discuss the implementation of educational activities that are needed by themselves such as exhibitions, training, workshops, and seminars. This study confirms the importance of university museums and can form a creative and innovative academic culture among academicians and community.
The pervasive meaning and the representative symbol of metaphors have led different views among scholars. Contemporary view has claimed that metaphor is basically symbolic in nature and is pervasive in human language, mind, and culture that goes beyond the scope of a language rather than just as language ornament conceived by the traditional view. The present study is close to the first view that metaphor and symbol in Madurese proverbs are not only matters of language but they mostly take into account with human way of thinking. Moreover, this study also takes a stand that metaphors and symbols can affect social thought and characters. In these regards, constructing the abstract meaning of metaphors - grounded in human mind and culture - has made visible need for this study to use Socio-Cognitive Linguistic approach. It is worth to use such integrated approach to see metaphoric and symbolic meaning about the nature of interpretation reflected in Madurese proverbs to reveal Madurese characters. The study showed that Madurese proverbs have reflected the courageous, religious, humorous, self-reliant, persistent and hard work, direct, and innocent characters of Madurese through their proverbial or metaphorical expressions. The study concluded that metaphors and symbols have played significant roles to reflect social markers due to the symbolic function and abstract meaning of metaphor is bond with human mind, experience, and culture structured through symbolic and metaphoric use.
Creative Moves in Cimory’s Milk Billboard Ads Targetting Young Adults and Adults
As a recognized advertising medium, billboards serve as one of the strategic choices for companies to promote their products and convey their communicative purposes. Cimory Milk, a dairy brand, uses billboard advertisements in unique and creative ways to engage their target market. This is evident in how Cimory Milk billboard advertisement serves the unusual discourse by playing with the generic conventions of the advertisement genre. Thus, the creative ways are leading through some specific intention that Cimory Milk tries to convey, which is related to the adults and youth discourse community. To explore this, the present study employs a qualitative approach, drawing on Bhatia’s genre analysis and Kress & Leeuwen’s multimodal discourse analysis. Using these frameworks, three Cimory Milk billboard advertisements were analyzed in terms of their moves, creative elements, and the relationship between creativity and audience engagement. This study found that although Cimory billboard advertisements adhered to the general conventions of the advertising genre, some creative strategies such as bending and blending were evident in the advertisement. These creative elements are designed to attract young adults to adults, through features such as the minimalist design, humor, strategic placement, and references to social and lifestyle issues. Overall, the result of this study illustrates how Cimory Billboard analysis uses creativity to engage young adults and adults as their target consumers. These findings may also offer valuable insight for advertisers to identify consumer’s perceptions and improve their marketing strategy.
Representation of Islam Identity in Khanzab
This study explores the representation of Islamic identity in Khanzab (2023), an Indonesian horror movie. Based on the qualitative approach and the concept of representation by Stuart Hall and islamic perspective, this study aims to show how there is a shift in Islamic identity seen from the representation in the movie. The results show that Khanzab (2023) does misrepresent Islam, the portrayal can be seen from the representation of musholla, prayer, and the Muslims shown in the movie. The depiction of musholla and mosque in the movie is seen as a place to do musyrik activities and the root of the problems. Therefore, in this movie, prayer is portrayed as a terrifying activity, where Rahayu is always disturbed by djinn; hence the prayer scene becomes the main jumpscare element in this movie. In addition, the muslim being portrayed as musyrik, who believes in djinn and black magic. In conclusion, the misrepresentation of Islamic identity is the result of commodification and commercialization to suit the interests of Indonesian audiences. Then, many movies are produced using the same strategy of portraying Islam in an obscure way just to gain popularity and profit.
Self-Efficacy and Job Motivation as Determinants of Performance of Library Staff in Southwest Universities, Nigeria
This study examined self-efficacy and job motivation as determinants of the performance of library staff in universities in Southwest Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, and a sample of 180 library staff was selected across the three selected university libraries using a total enumeration sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 180 respondents, out of which 176 copies of the questionnaire were returned and found usable for the analysis. Descriptive statistics (frequency counts, simple percentages) were used to analyze data on the six research questions, while inferential statistics (multiple regression) was used to test the null hypothesis. The study found that the performance of library staff in the selected university libraries was high, even as they held a positive opinion about themselves. Wages and salary, appreciation, promotion, benefits, and allowances were the major factors that motivated them to perform their jobs. Self-efficacy and job motivation significantly influenced their performance. The findings also revealed that unwillingness by library authorities to train staff for the future, inadequate funding to support career development programs, poor organizational climate in the library, lack of complete senior management commitment and support, and uncertainty of library staff about the future of their career were the major barriers that affected their job performance. The study established that the combination of self-efficacy and job motivation did not jointly determine the library staff performance. The study recommended that library staff should be adequately motivated continually to boost their morale for efficiency and higher productivity.
Copyright (c) 2024 Insaniyat : Journal of Islam and Humanities
Negotiating Identity of Muslim Women in Bajawa Cafe: Gender and Islamic Perspective
This research investigates how Muslim women perform at Bajawa Cafe, influenced by the construction of Islamic teachings and gender roles. The study aims to illustrate how Muslim women are shaped by societal production and regulation, employing qualitative methods through ethnographic and netnographic approaches. It examines the interplay of Islamic teachings and gender norms to analyze the construction of Muslim women's identities within the context of Bajawa Cafe. Data was collected through observations of Hijabi Muslim women's performances at Bajawa Cafe in Kemang, in-depth interviews, data visualizations, and social media analysis. The findings reveal that these women, through activities such as halal parties, challenge the traditional Islamic teachings and gender expectations imposed on them. Bajawa Cafe serves as a space where they navigate and negotiate these societal constructs. The results suggest that Muslim women at Bajawa Cafe resist the societal and religious constraints shaped by Islamic teachings and gender roles. Their performances reflect an ongoing process of negotiation, demonstrating agency in redefining their identities. In conclusion, Bajawa Cafe has emerged as a significant space for Muslim women to express and reconcile their interpretations of Islamic teachings and gender norms.
Modern Slavery: A Study of “Bilal: A New Breed of Hero”
Slavery has been a tradition from the Jahiliyyah era to the present. The film “Bilal A New Breed of Hero”, tells the story of the Arab Jahiliyyah model of slavery which can be used as a lesson in the toughness of a Bilal who is eventually crowned a hero. Even though this film tells of slavery in the past, the main message of this film is the desire to eradicate slavery from the face of the earth which can be used as a valuable lesson now and in the future. This paper is dedicated to examining the film “Bilal A New Breed of Hero” from the aspect of its content and main messages that are still relevant today. The issue of slavery still occurs in the modern era, only in different forms and models. This topic is interesting to study because the issue of slavery is still being discussed in various forums and media. The method used in this research is content analysis. Finally, the researcher found that there were 3 categories of data as follows, 3 data which described the beginning of Bilal and Ghufairah as slaves, 3 data which described the slave trafficking, and 8 data which described the treatment of masters towards slaves.
Metaphor Unveiled: Exploring Translation Techniques in the Novel
This qualitative study employs an explanatory case study methodology to unravel metaphor translation procedures, drawing from Peter Newmark's insights and Eugene Nida's translation equivalence theory. Unveiling a captivating dance between languages, the research showcases prevalent procedures such as replacing source language images with standard ones in the target language and converting metaphors into senses. The results illuminate how these techniques offer a distinct interpretation in the target language, ensuring a nuanced conveyance of the original message. A particularly enchanting aspect is the prevalence of dynamic equivalence, where numerous metaphors transform to present the essence in a fresh light without mimicking the source language. This deliberate departure from literal translation strives for a natural and evocative rendition, providing readers with a novel perspective on the narrative. In essence, this study takes readers on a concise yet compelling journey through the art of metaphorical translation, demonstrating how linguistic choices bridge cultural gaps while preserving the emotive essence of "Sad Girls." It offers a succinct window into the delicate balance between fidelity and creativity, showcasing the enriching possibilities that lie within the realm of cross-cultural literary translation.
From Primary to Secondary Norms: Investigating Internal Deviation in Joseph Conrad’s The Secret Agent
A writer’s distinctive narrative style, often referred to as their primary norm, shapes their consistent use of language. However, deliberate deviations from this norm can serve significant literary purposes. These deliberate deviations are termed as their secondary norm. This change of language style is believed to hold a specific intention on the part of the writer. This research aims to investigate Joseph Conrad’s instances of internal deviation in his novel The Secret Agent, and how these deviations contribute to the literary effects of the novel. Conrad’s primary norm is characterized by a sentence-complexity style, while his secondary norm involves a shift towards a sentence-simplicity style. To clarify these norms, the study employs the clause complexes theory within the framework of Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics. Employing a descriptive qualitative research approach along with a library research method, this study collects and analyses data to uncover the instances of deviation and explore their literary implications. By examining Conrad’s intentional internal deviations, this research seeks to describe the underlying motives and the impact of these deviations on the overall reading experience of The Secret Agent. Through this investigation, it is found out that Conrad’s use of sentence simplicity style contributes to the novel’s literary effects, namely building the foreshadowing and suspense, developing the character, and setting the atmosphere of the novel.
Resilience of Muslim Identity in Singapore: Muslims under the Challenges and Impacts of Globalization in Post-Independence Singapore 1965-2017
This research probes the ramifications of globalization on Muslim identity in Singapore since its independence in 1965, concentrating on the four economic development phases pivotal to the nation's growth. It concurrently traces the post-independence evolution of Muslim life, specifically in religious practices and social norms. Singapore's globalization-driven economic ascent, its status as a developed nation, and its competitive business environment stand as evident outcomes. However, the Muslim communities grapple with the challenge of adapting to global shifts while preserving their Islamic identity. The study emphasizes the imperative of comprehending the intricate interplay between globalization and Muslim identity in Singapore. Employing the historical method comprising heuristics, criticism, interpretation, and historiography, the research analyzes historical records and relics. Findings underscore the instrumental role of technology and social media in shaping Muslim identity, facilitating the dissemination of religious information and fostering global connectivity within Muslim communities. While the Singapore government's multiculturalism policy aims for interfaith harmony and recognizes the Muslim community's integral role, restrictions on public expressions of religious identity reflect the state's secular stance. This research offers a profound understanding of the complex dynamics between globalization and Muslim identity in Singapore, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities encountered by Muslim communities in safeguarding their cultural and religious diversity amidst the ever-evolving global landscape.
The Role of the Repository for the Preservation of Management Information and Digital Services in the Library of the Raden Intan Islamic University
The repository application is a tool used by librarians in preserving managed information and improving library digital services. Utilization evaluation is important in knowing the management of the repository. This is only to achieve one expectation, which is satisfaction for users. The purpose of this research is to ensure the use of the repository as a form of information preservation owned by the UIN Raden Intan library to make it easier for academics to take research information and to make it easier for students to conduct thesis research. The method used is qualitative descriptive. This method gives freedom to researchers to conduct research reviews so that researchers can deliver this research according to the conditions that occur. To support data collection, researchers used interview, observational and literature methods. The result of this study is that the UIN Raden Intan library stores information periodically with the aim of presenting information as needed. Repository information is presented using the format of year, study program and faculty. This provides convenience and flexibility for all UIN academics in taking digital information and services. The repository has been implemented using an online model, this adds flexibility for academics and researchers in obtaining research references without being hampered by distance and time in the UIN Raden Intan library.
Rhetorical Moves in Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince
This study investigates the rhetorical structure of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince through the lens of genre analysis. Drawing on Swales’ and Bhatia’s frameworks, it applies rhetorical move theory, typically used in academic discourse analysis to a literary narrative. The study addresses three questions: first, what rhetorical moves and steps are present in The Little Prince? second, how do these moves contribute to the narrative and thematic development? third, what communicative purposes do these moves serve within the context of children’s literature? The analysis adopts a qualitative approach, in which each chapter of the novel was examined through close reading and move identification based on structural and thematic cues. Findings show a consistent pattern of Complication and Resolution across the chapters, with other moves such as Abstract and Coda used more selectively to shape reader interpretation. This research contributes to genre studies by extending rhetorical move analysis to narrative fiction, offering a bridge between ESP traditions and literary discourse. The findings also support educators and curriculum designers in teaching narrative structure and rhetorical awareness in literature classrooms.
Divine Brews and Spiritual Insights: Exploring Islamic Preaching through Coffee Culture in Aceh
Islamic preaching, or dawah, has gained attention for effectively conveying religious messages to modern society. One interesting phenomenon is using coffee shops as a space for dawah. These places have become inclusive spaces that invite participation from various social segments due to their relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This research aims to explore the role of coffee shops in facilitating society's spiritual growth and to understand the factors that attract people to participate in dawah activities in these places. The methodology used a qualitative approach that incorporated in-depth interviews and participatory observations. The findings suggest that dawah in coffee shops is effective due to the relaxed and amicable ambiance, opportunities for discourse on religious matters, engaging dawah strategies, and inclusive accessibility. Using everyday narratives and analogies in the dawah approach makes religious messages more understandable and memorable to the public. This research concludes that coffee shops can enhance spiritual growth in society by promoting Islamic teachings through coffee culture. It highlights the vital role of coffee shops in facilitating spiritual growth and improving the effectiveness of dawah activities.
Potrait of Islam Culture and Arabic Literature in Italy
The arrival of Islam in Italy in the seventh century led to cultural acculturation and changes in several areas of life, such as literature, culture and language. The aims of this study are to: (1) Describe the process of the arrival of Islam in Italy; (2) Describe the influence of Islamic and Arabic culture in Italy. and (3) explaining the development of Arabic science and literature in Italy. This research is included in the descriptive qualitative research with a literature study approach and the data collection techniques used are reading techniques and note-taking techniques. The results of this study are: (1) The process of the arrival of Islam in Italy began when Caliph Othman bin Affan sent the prime minister Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan to attack Sicily in 652 AD. (2) There are traces of Islamic culture in the architecture of the city in the form of narrow alleys that follows the ancient Arabic style of the city of Amalfi, and the assimilation of Italian words of Arabic origin is close to 300 words; And (3) in the development of scientific and literary journals, Muslim scientists have certainly produced various major works which later became references for Western scientists. Besides that, Arabic literature also entered and developed in Sicily which became a heaven for scholars such as al-Jabr wa Maalaka, Firdaus al-Hikmah, Al-Hawi. Apart from that, Arabic literature also entered and developed in Sicily, becoming a paradise for scholars, such as the story of Layla Majnun which was outlined in the book The Secretum by Petrarch and ST. Augustine.
Rimpu Culture and the Existence of Bima Women: An Overview of Gender Perspectives
The existence of rimpu in the Bima area has become a tradition, perception, and expression that indicates the awareness of women in cultivating local clothing without leaving the substance of Islamic teachings and carrying out their religious teachings. This research aims to examine the culture and existence of Bima women from a gender perspective. This research uses qualitative research with a literature study. The results show that the existence of rimpu for women is a means of expressing freedom for women by paying attention to theological and sociological values. Rimpu, which in the modern era has begun to erode and is in a dilemma with contemporary women’s styles, is less concerned about the cultural identity of their area. Therefore, rimpu is an encounter of Islamic teachings with local culture, requiring the involvement of all parties in preserving and caring for it as a local cultural identity
Cultural Hybridity in Indonesian Contemporary Cinema: A Postcolonial Study on the Film Bumi Manusia
Colonialism has profoundly engulfed the cultural, social, and political aspects of Indonesian society. Indigenous people have responded to its legacy by movements, negotiating their identity, and engaging in cultural appropriation. This article analyses the portrayal of cultural hybridity in the film Bumi Manusia which was directed by Hanung Bramantyo and released in 2019. In particular, this paper investigates how indigenous and Indo-European people navigate their identities through the adoption of distinct cultural practices. Subsequently, this article examines their challenges when engaging in cultural hybridity. The research is qualitative with the critical paradigm and employs the theory of cultural hybridity. The research findings indicate that pivotal indigenous figures and an Indo-European decent negotiate their identities by engaging in both indigenous and European cultural practices. This is evident in their adoption of language, attire, food, and tradition. They aimed to adjust to a diverse colonial society and achieve self-empowerment and resistance through negotiations and practices. However, their engagement in cultural hybridity encounters both approval and rejection.
Soren Kierkegaards Existentialism: A Study on the Way of Enjoying Life during Post Truth Era
This study aims to explain the means of deriving enjoyment in life during the Post-Truth era by drawing upon the existentialist values of Soren Kierkegaard. A qualitative approach with a conceptual design was adopted using exploratory, interpretative, and analytical methods. The results showed that individuals were able to derive enjoyment from life during the Post-Truth Era by embracing the following Soren Kierkegaard's existentialism values. First, being oneself; living under the narrative of the heart and mind. Second, being moral; and adhering oneself to universal rules. Third, living a religious life; having a direct connection with God, and being critical of religion. The significance of Soren Kierkegaard's existentialism lies in its emphasis on individuality, freedom, and the search for authentic meaning in life. Kierkegaard's philosophy highlights the importance of subjectivity and individual responsibility in facing a life full of decisions. His concept of existential decision-making stresses conscious choices that reflect awareness and accountability. emphasizing the uniqueness of individuals and the pursuit of life's meaning. This philosophical perspective underscores the critical role of self-awareness, self-development, and personal responsibility in leading a meaningful life. Kierkegaard believes that humans must become authentic selves, which continue without stopping. This is a struggle that must be carried out at all times, so that humans can become the subjects of their lives. Becoming an authentic self is a task that must be held accountable, and individuals have the possibility to realize the enjoyment of life. In Kierkegaard's thought, life is natural and sometimes has a greater sense of significance than life that is not natural. The natural way of life for humans is the way of enjoying life described by Kierkegaard.
Communism, Nationalism, and the State: Ideological Debate between Sukarno and Isa Anshary, 1945-1970
Sukarno as a figure nationalist-secular and Isa Anshary as a figure nationalist-Islamic political orientations has created political ideological debates in Indonesia. This research aims to analyze both figures’ thoughts based on recorded ideological debates in historical events and their compromise under ideology of communism. This historical issue was analyzed using intellectual history and political approach and was grounded in ideology and state theories. This historical research was conducted through several stages: heuristic, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The findings indicate that the ideological debates between Sukarno and Isa Anshary arose due to intellectual influences that led to differences in their perspectives, particularly concerning the ideology of communism. Sukarno's thoughts about communism were interpreted as a philosophy of materialism used to fight imperialism and colonialism, then his thoughts about nationalism in the form of national equality to escape the grip of colonialists, and he articulated democracy as a state concept. Meanwhile, Isa Anshary, he believes that communism is an anti-God ideology that degrades the Islamic faith, then according to him nationalism is the concept of nationalism as integration (berjamaah), and voicing Islamic ideology in the concept of the state. Furthermore, the views of Sukarno and Isa Anshary on communism also had implications for their differing stances on nationalism, the state, and political attitudes during the period leading up to the 1955 elections. In addition, the ideological debate between the two had an impact on Indonesian politics, such as political polarization and conflict in Indonesian society until the end of the Old Order.
Meditating Masculine Anxiety and (Post) Colonial Space in Lubis's Harimau! Harimau! and Patterson's Man-Eaters of Tsavo
This research is aimed at probing and comparing the masculine anxiety in colonial spaces of Lubis’s Harimau! Harimau! and Patterson’s The Man-eaters of Tsavo investigate similarities and diﬀerences between the subject position, the psychological impacts, and the psychic discourse of colonized and colonizer’s masculinities and male anxiety in terms of the colonial narrative. This comparison is essential for the subject position, and the psyche in the colonial narrative is claimed to be universal, which is not entirely true. Connell’s theory of masculinity is applied to investigate how the values of masculinity shape colonial experiences. This research employs a narratological method - employing the concept of focalization to scrutinize how the subject who see exercise the power of seeing and eventually constructing the subject position and the psyche of colonized and colonizer - psychoanalytic as well as postcolonial reading to reveal the psychological impact - of the character’s anxiety. The results are: 1) In both stories, the colonial settings are portrayed similarly even though the writers of the two stories came from diﬀerent continents (West and East). 2) In a hostile colonial setting, the colonizer and the colonized are constructed similarly in dealing with anxiety. However, when colonized are in the subject position, they are constructed as anal-erotic characters or anti-heroes. Simultaneously they are described as devout Moslems. Meanwhile, the European counterpart, although not described as a devout Christian, was the story’s hero. As an Indonesian novel, this marks the point that it falls into Western colonial narratives’ patterns.
Copyright (c) 2023 Insaniyat : Journal of Islam and Humanities
Literature and Social Issues: Study of Islam, Secularism, and Humanism in Achdiat’s Atheis Indonesian Novel
Although religion faces many challenges, such as clashing with modernity and becoming the object of criticism, religion has a thousand lives. One Indonesian novel created by Achdiat Karta Mihardja entitled Atheis (1990) pictured this religious phenomenon. Therefore, this article discusses Islam, secularism, and humanism in the Novel. This is qualitative research with the literary approach that combines the comparative literature theory of American schools and sociology focused on the sociology of modernity and religion. This research finds the novel as a criticism and reconstruction of Islam that is compatible with secularism and humanism in general, though in certain parts they are different. Further, the author of this novel reveals a good and proper Islam based on the text, first, it is concerned not only with the afterlife but also the present and here-ness real life. Thus, he criticizes the Islamic pattern which believes in superstition. Second, the Islamic form according to humanism and moderat feminism as the core of Islam is a public benefit and blessing for the universe. This research concluded that the novel's criticism is in line with the criticism in the scientific sociological Islamic literature.
Critical Discourse Analysis through Systemic Functional Linguistics of SMS (Short Message Service) Phishing
This research is aimed to reveal the power relation in SMS (Short Service Messages) Phishing. It utilizes the three dimensions of Fairclough CDA perspective; description, interpretation, and explanation. The three functions of SFL (Systemic Functional Linguistics) are practiced for the data analysis. 150 SMS phishing are collected randomly from the authors’ relatives and colleagues. There are two types of SMS Phishing, Complete, and Incomplete. The complete type consists of Opening, Content, and Closing, while the Incomplete with minor Closing. The power relation has been observed from the Opening, Content, and Closing of SMS. The result is shown by the salient descriptions of the data, which are: the exclamation words ‘Selamat’ (65%) in the opening; the second personal pronoun ‘Anda’ (60%), and material process (68%) in the content; imperative moods (88%) and the fake identity of reputable institutions in the closing. The result of the study is interpreted and explained as the data description, that the phishers inserted ‘power’ in the SMS Phishing. The use of ‘Selamat’ explains that the phishers are kind and generous, then “Anda” and the imperative moods indicate that the phishers act as the first person who can lead the targets. In addition, the use of material processes and the fake reputable institution identity explains that the phishers are trustworthy and wealthy people. SMS Phishers employ those language features to make the targets believe them, and SMS becomes a fraud when the targets believe the message is true. CDA and SFL have been used in this study to reveal the intention of SMS phishing from the perspective of linguistics, therefore, the authors attempt to propose CDA and SFL as the analysis tools in the forensic linguistic field.
Two Imaginations of Indonesia: A Study on the Islamic and Nationalism Ideologies in Pandji Islam Magazine, 1940
This research delves into the ideologies of Islam and nationalism as envisioned by the founding fathers through Pandji Islam magazine published in 1940. A historical methodology consisting of four stages, heuristic, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography, was applied. It also utilized hermeneutics and political approaches. Through these two approaches, this study was not merely narrative but rather descriptive-analytical in nature. The findings in this article reveal that Pandji Islam played a significant role as a representation of the Islamic press. Through Pandji Islam, Islamic and nationalist figures were able to express their ideas on Islamic modernism, ideologies, and the concept of an ideal state. Furthermore, the study results demonstrate that Pandji Islam magazine also served to raise political awareness among the Muslim community and the Indonesian people in general. It aimed to build collective strength to break free from prolonged colonialism and seek appropriate political formulations for the future of the Indonesian nation.
The Analysis of Data Literacy and Data Quality: Study at Faculty of Administrative Science, Brawijaya University
Publicly funded research must be accessible to the public in digital format, with or without minimal restrictions. Research also must be reviewed for the accuracy and correctness of the data sources and references used, the accuracy of the concept, and the objectivity of the contents of the paper. This is very closely related to the quality of the research data. Realizing this, the data collected and used in the process—before, during, and after the research—will make researchers and institutions aware of the importance of data literacy. The term data literacy is used in academia to provide a brief description of the ability of individuals to understand basic research concepts, including the quality of research data they possess. Therefore, this study aims to describe the effect of data literacy on research data. This research uses explanatory research with a quantitative approach with 58 respondents from the faculty members of Faculty of Administrative Science, Brawijaya University, Indonesia. The questionnaire was filled out in both digital and printed form. Respondents have a positive tendency toward data literacy. In addition, this is also indicated by the significance of the items, with the most significant items being respondents’ ability to assess the credibility of the data they have. Then, for data quality variables, respondents also have a positive trend, as evidenced by the significance of all items. This trend will have a positive impact on the quality of data from research conducted by respondents. This research is expected to contribute to scientific developments regarding data literacy and the quality of research data, which in this case focuses on research activities conducted by lecturers at universities.
War on Terror’s Impact on the Middle East Civilians in Coldplay’s Orphans Song Lyrics
This article examines the war on terror’s impact in the Middle East civilians on the lyrical content of Coldplay's song "Orphans." The song lyrics feature a fictional narrative about a girl and her father who died due to bomb attacks on their hometown. Utilizing Van Dijk's critical discourse analysis approach, which involves social cognition, social context analysis, and textual analysis, it is deduced that the bombings depicted in the lyrics refer to the bombings in Damascus. This immediately relates to the Global War on Terror and how prejudice against Muslims and the Middle East, even its civilians, overlooks the negative impact that these people suffer. However, social cognition and context analysis help in discovering that Coldplay, a popular Western act composed of white men, did not remain silent about the suffering Muslims and Middle Easterners faced when most Westerners did. Instead, they voiced their perspective on the issue through fictional lyrics that favor Muslims and the Middle East in the ensuing conflict as part of their hope for people to unite regardless of their background and identity.