Jurnal Balai Penelitian dan Pengembangan Agama Semarang
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From Identity to Diplomacy: Indonesia’s Moderate Islam and Afghanistan Peacebuilding under Jokowi (2017-2021)
Full text linkIndonesia has increasingly engaged in Afghanistan’s peacebuilding process, yet the specific mechanisms linking this engagement to the construction of state identity remain underexplored. This article analyzes why and how Indonesia constructs and projects moderate Islamic identity to shape its foreign policy in Afghanistan under President Joko Widodo. Using the theory of constructivism and qualitative discourse analysis of officials statements, policy documents, publications from Indonesian Islamic civil society, and academic works, this article examines how environmental structures influence policy construction. The findings reveal that this identity is constructed as a response to both external structures, specifically the failure of militaristic approaches in Afghanistan and the proliferation of radical Islamic groups, and internal structures, namely domestic political polarization. Consequently, Indonesia projects moderate Islam as a “soft-power” instrument to offer alternative conflict resolution mechanisms in Afghanistan while concurrently reaffirming such identity and maintaining domestic consolidation. This article contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a nuanced understanding of how religious identity functions as a dual mechanism for international mediation and domestic stability in Muslim-majority democracies
Martahi Martulpak Tradition: Living Hadith as a Means of Shaping Social and Cultural Norms of the Mandailing Community
Full text linkThe Martahi Martulpak tradition in Mandailing society is a collective practice that reflects the value of mutual assistance in supporting the costs of organizing a wedding. Although it has been widely studied as part of local culture, limited research has linked this practice to the concept of living hadith, particularly to actualise Islamic values in a social context. This study aims to fill the theoretical gap regarding how the values of the hadith about ta'āwun (mutual assistance), ukhūwah (brotherhood), and alms are actualized in local cultural practices. Using descriptive qualitative methods and participatory observation techniques as well as in-depth interviews, this study explores the social and religious meaning of Martahi Martulpak for the Mandailing community. The study results show that Martahi Martulpak not only represents the socio-cultural values of Mandailing but also actualizes the teachings of the hadith in a local context. This tradition reflects the practice of collective alms and mutual assistance, where community participation is not only based on social obligations but is also interpreted as worship. This participation strengthens the bonds of brotherhood, strengthens the social structure, and expands the meaning of hadith in the social realm. Thus, Martahi Martulpak becomes a reflection of the living hadith, which is dynamic, adaptive, and contextual in forming the social and spiritual norms of the Mandailing community
In-Law Conflict Resolution from Christian and Muslim Religious Perspectives in Oriade, Nigeria
Full text linkIn-law conflict is a significant but often overlooked cause of marital problems in Nigeria, frequently leading to emotional distress and family breakdowns. Few studies have focused specifically on these disputes or compared how different religious groups manage them. This study addresses that gap by examining in-law conflicts among Christian and Muslim families in Oriade Local Government Area, a region known for its religious diversity. Based on family systems and conflict theory, this research used a qualitative design. Forty participants, 20 Christians and 20 Muslims, were interviewed across seven towns. Thematic analysis revealed shared causes of conflict, including cultural expectations, gender roles, and financial pressures. Cultural expectations, lack of educational exposure, and extended family interference were cited by over 65% of respondents. Domestic role expectations were more prominent among Muslim respondents (75%) than Christians (25%). Amid the conflict, religious leaders were central to conflict resolution in both faiths, with 77.5% of participants highlighting the importance of pastors and imams. However, polygamy was a unique challenge in Muslim households, while Christian families faced more generational tensions. Christian women often coped through silence and prayer, while Muslim women more openly demanded fairness. The study therefore recommends faith-based counselling, religious conflict resolution panels, safe spaces for women, and child-focused family education
Christian Morals in the Bura Su'a Ritual of Ngada, Flores, Indonesia
Full text linkBura su’a is a special ritual performed by the Ngada people in Eastern Indonesia in their main traditional house (Sa'o Ngaza) on the eve of their traditional New Year celebration called Reba. This ritual aims not only to pass on the heritage of their ancestors and important traditional moral values, but also to affirm the existence and identity of the clan. This article aims to examine the moral messages conveyed in the Bura su’a ritual from a Christian moral perspective. Using a descriptive, qualitative, interactive analysis approach and contextual theology methods, the authors will examine this theme in three parts. First, they will discuss research studies of the su’a and the Bura su’a ritual, as well as the symbols and expressions used in it. Second, the authors will examine the Bura su’a ritual from a Christian moral perspective. Here, the authors will compare the messages in the Bura su’a ritual with certain concepts in Christian moral theology. Third, the authors will recommend efforts to ensure the preservation of this ritual in Ngada culture and to concretize the moral message of living together in the digital age. The authors found that the Bura su’a ritual contains Christian moral values, namely, first, respect for God, ancestors, fellow human beings, and nature; second, parental responsibility in educating children and concern for the weakest and poorest in the community; and third, the formation of a morally integrated personality based on biblical and theological virtues of courage, honesty, perseverance, and justice
Empirical Reassessment of Religious Tolerance in Padang City
Full text linkThe survey results regarding the level of tolerance in Padang City are low. To increase the Tolerant City Index (IKT), there needs to be an example of the practice of religious tolerance in Padang City to be developed at all levels of local society. This research aims to find practices of religious tolerance in Padang City, with the research locus in Pondok Village. This field research uses a qualitative approach with case study methods. The focus of the study is on the experience and meaning of the practice of religious tolerance in society. Data collection techniques include interviews with a number of parties, such as religious leaders, government officials, administrators of places of worship, and residents. The research results show that the community in Pondok Village represents the practice of religious tolerance through interaction between religious believers, preservation of local culture, and community involvement in various social organizations. Three research findings: 1) Interfaith social interaction in Pondok Village occurs actively and harmoniously; 2) The community in Pondok Village carries out various activities to support the practice of tolerance between religious believers; 3) Citizenship networks are built through community networks and social encounters
Joom Jak Sasi: The Role of Women in Traditional Coastal Management in Aduwei Raja Ampat
Full text linkThis article explores the Joom Jak Sasi, a community group led by indigenous women practicing traditional coastal management known as Sasi in Aduwei, Raja Ampat. Drawing on the customary Sasi system, which regulates the use of natural resources through seasonal closures. This research highlights how gender, tradition, and religion intersect to promote sustainable environmental management. Once a male-dominated domain, Sasi in Aduwei has been increasingly influenced by female leadership, particularly through the Joom Jak Sasi group established in 2022. This research examines how these women negotiate patriarchal structures while promoting inclusive ecological governance, contributing to community empowerment and biodiversity protection. These research findings show that Indigenous women act as cultural and ecological guardians, challenging traditional gender hierarchies while revitalizing local knowledge systems. Furthermore, the integration of customary, religious, and scientific conservation efforts has contributed to more equitable and effective management of marine resources. By centering the role of women in environmental conservation, Joom Jak Sasi women not only conserve natural ecosystems but also redefine leadership roles and strengthen cultural identities in the face of ecological and social change
Pendidikan Agama bagi Perempuan Perspektif Feminisme Islam (Analisis Kritis terhadap Kitab Tarbiyat al-Mar’ah wa al-Ḥijāb)
Full text linkWomen's access to religious education remains a central issue in Islamic society, often influenced by patriarchal interpretations of religion. This research critically examines the book Tarbiyat al-Mar'ah wa al-Ḥijāb by Muḥammad Ṭalʿat Ḥarb to analyze the construction of women's religious education in early 20th-century Islamic thought. This research employs a qualitative approach with critical hermeneutics and an Islamic feminist framework referencing the ideas of Amina Wadud, Asma Barlas, and Fatima Mernissi. The study results show that although the text emphasizes the importance of religious education for women, the narrative constructed still limits women to domestic roles and reinforces gender hierarchies with religious legitimacy. This construction reflects a conservative response to modernity, emphasizing moral control over the empowerment of women's intellectual and social agency. This research confirms that religious education should not be a tool for domestication, but rather a means of empowering women intellectually, spiritually, and socially. This study contributes to the development of gender-equitable Islamic educational discourse
Faith in the Digital Era: How Language and Artificial Intelligence Technology Reshape Religious Practices
Full text linkIn the digital era, the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed how people understand and practice religion, creating new opportunities while posing significant challenges to cultural diversity and spiritual values. Using a Systematic Literature Review, this study examines how language and AI reshape religious practices, focusing on their impact on the cross-linguistic interpretation of religious texts, the transformation of communication patterns between congregants and spiritual authorities, and the personalization of religious messages and its implications for pluralism. The findings reveal that AI enhances accessibility to religious texts through automated translation and language-based algorithms while presenting challenges such as algorithmic bias, homogenization of interpretations, and risks to cultural diversity. Homogenization of interpretations refers to the tendency of AI systems to simplify or prioritize dominant theological perspectives, potentially marginalizing alternative or minority interpretations that contribute to the richness of religious traditions. Additionally, AI-powered virtual assistants alter communication patterns with spiritual authorities, and message personalization, defined here as the algorithmic tailoring of religious content to an individual’s digital behavior, preferences, or consumption history, tends to create information isolation that may hinder interfaith dialogue. This study emphasizes the need for ethical and inclusive approaches to AI development to preserve cultural and theological diversity