Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): Alamtara: Jurnal Komunikasi dan Penyiaran Islam

Islamic community radio is increasingly challenged by media convergence and changing audience habits during digital transition. This study examines how broadcasters’ communication competence functions as a key mechanism for sustaining audience engagement and loyalty in Radio Purbowangi FM, Indonesia. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with five informants (two broadcasters, one technician, and two listeners), participant observation of on-air and off-air activities, and document analysis of programme recordings and audience interactions. The data were analyzed thematically using Spitzberg and Cupach’s communication competence framework, comprising knowledge, motivation, and skills. The findings indicate that: (1) knowledge is reflected in broadcasters’ understanding of moderate Islamic values, sensitivity to local culture, and their ability to tailor messages to audience segments; (2) motivation is evidenced by a service-oriented and prosocial commitment, including broadcasters’ roles as community information brokers and active participation in local activities; and (3) skills are demonstrated through dialogic on-air delivery, real-time responsiveness via interactive channels (e.g., phone/WhatsApp), technical mastery of broadcasting, and adaptation to selected digital channels such as live streaming, alongside promotional collaboration with local MSMEs. Overall, the study highlights communication competence as a stabilizing resource that enables Islamic community radio to remain relevant and socially embedded amid digital transition.

The internalization of the values of tasamuh (tolerance) and syura (consultation) is an integral part of the academic culture that Islamic higher education institutions seek to build. However, there is still a gap between the idealism of the institutional vision and the reality of student social practices in campus life. This study aims to analyze the implementation of a socio-religious approach in the internalization of the values of tasamuh (tolerance) and syura (consultation) within the campus environment of IAI Tarbiyatut Tholabah Lamongan. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman. The results of the study indicate that efforts to internalize the values of tasamuh and syura have been carried out through the educational curriculum, student organization activities, and character development. However, there are still challenges in applying these values, such as group polarization, resistance to dialogue, and uneven involvement from the academic community. These findings differ from previous studies, which tended to emphasize the formal aspects of the curriculum without delving deeply into the social dynamics of students. This study contributes theoretically and practically to the development of more contextual strategies for internalizing Islamic values, and recommends strengthening the culture of consultation and collaborative training across campus elements.

This study discusses digital da'wah content that is developing in new media as a response to the culture of hedonism, using a contemporary da'wah approach.. The culture of hedonism in digital media is no longer merely about pursuing personal pleasure, but has transformed into a culture of self-image, commodification of happiness, and social recognition based on digital numbers. The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of the hedonistic culture that is developing in the new media ecosystem and to evaluate forms of digital da'wah content that are responsive to this phenomenon. Using a qualitative approach and library research methods, this study utilizes scientific literature sources, contemporary da'wah theory, new media theory, and hedonistic culture theory as analytical tools. The analysis technique is carried out thematically through the stages of issue categorization, theory synthesis, and critical interpretation. The results of the study indicate that the culture of hedonism in new media has three main characteristics: extreme visualization of a consumptive lifestyle, commodification of self-image as a source of happiness, and digital existence as a benchmark for social value. Responding to this, digital da'wah content has developed in three forms: (1) aesthetic narrative-visual to attract emotion and attention; (2) communicative and concise da'wah microlearning; and (3) reflective-critical content that challenges the culture of showing off and builds spiritual awareness. The implications of this research show that digital da'wah needs to play a strategic role not only as a conventional da'wah medium, but also as a counter-cultural space that presents alternative values to the dominance of hedonistic culture in the digital space.

The Regional Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPID) of East Java is an independent institution responsible for ensuring that broadcasting institutions adhere to the Broadcasting Code of Conduct and the Broadcast Program Standards (P3SPS). This study aims to explain the strategies of KPID East Java in maintaining the public broadcasting space based on Islamic values and local cultural wisdom through the implementation of P3SPS principles. Using a qualitative descriptive method through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation, the findings reveal that KPID’s monitoring strategy follows the PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act) quality management model integrated with Islamic ethical values and East Javanese cultural wisdom. This approach enables systematic and adaptive supervision in response to digital broadcasting developments while upholding public morality. Challenges remain, such as limited human resources and ineffective sanction regulations. The study highlights the importance of integrating Islamic values and local culture in broadcasting supervision to sustain a healthy and civilized public sphere

The rapid development of social media has significantly transformed communication patterns within society, particularly in the formation of public opinion. This study aims to analyze the role of social media—specifically Instagram—in shaping public opinion through patterns of interaction, information dissemination, and meaning construction in digital spaces. Using a literature review method, this research examines theoretical and empirical findings related to political communication, social media user behavior, and the mechanisms by which public opinion is formed in the digital era. The findings indicate that Instagram functions not only as a visual-sharing platform but also as a discursive arena that influences users’ perceptions through algorithms, viral content, and the role of influencers as opinion shapers. The study further reveals that users tend to form opinions based on repeated exposure, group value alignment, and perceived credibility constructed within online communities. This study concludes that Instagram plays a strategic and complex role in shaping public opinion due to the interplay of technology, digital culture, and user communication behavior. The contribution of this research lies in mapping key factors involved in public opinion formation on social media and emphasizing the importance of digital literacy in minimizing information distortion.

This study explores the representation of patriarchy in the film Women from Rote Island using a qualitative approach with Roland Barthes’s semiotic analysis. This approach was chosen because it enables the researcher to uncover symbolic meanings, cultural values, and gender ideologies embedded in the audiovisual text. Primary data consist of the film itself, analyzed through elements such as dialogue, gestures, facial expressions, costumes, setting, props, cinematography, and narrative plot. Secondary data include books, journal articles, film reviews, and literature on semiotics, gender, and media. Data were collected through documentary observation (repeated screenings, transcription of key dialogues, and relevant screenshots) and literature review. Analysis followed Barthes’s three stages: denotation, connotation, and myth. The findings reveal that patriarchy operates through harassment, objectification, stigma, and social neglect, which normalize violence and shift blame onto women (victim blaming). The film articulates moral imperatives such as: ending victim blaming, reinterpreting customary law as protection of dignity, fostering empathetic masculinities, ensuring safe public spaces, dismantling stigma as a silencing tool, and demanding state and law enforcement support for survivors. Thus, Women from Rote Island not only exposes the wounds of patriarchy but also conveys an ethical call for protection and the construction of a just and gender-equal culture.

This article discusses the significance of transparency in public relations communication through a case study of Jerome Polin, a well-known Indonesian content creator who publicly refused a government offer to act as a paid “buzzer” for IDR 150 million. This research aims to analyze how transparency serves as an ethical communication practice and a strategic approach to building public trust in the digital era. The study employs a qualitative descriptive method using a case study approach, with data collected from online news portals and social media posts by Jerome Polin between August and October 2025. The results show that transparent communication enhances personal credibility, encourages public dialogue on ethical issues, and fosters media literacy about opinion manipulation. However, transparency also brings challenges, such as public skepticism toward evidence authenticity and accusations of self-promotion. The study concludes that transparency, when combined with accountability and two-way communication, strengthens credibility and public trust while countering manipulative communication practices. Recommendations for standards and openness in public relations to maintain integrity and long-term reputation in digital communication.

This study examines the use of the color symbols #bravepink and #herogreen in Indonesian digital demonstrations after August 25, 2025, as a form of affect-based digital activism. The research aims to analyze how these symbols are interpreted, mobilized, and employed to build collective solidarity on social media. Using a case study design with purposive sampling, the study includes 212 public accounts on Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook that met the criteria of interaction level and hashtag use. Data were collected through BrandMention and Talkwalker and analyzed using Kress and van Leeuwen’s social semiotics. The results show that #bravepink demonstrated higher viral reach, while #herogreen achieved stronger public acceptance and moral value associations. Both symbols generated high emotional engagement, particularly among young women. These findings highlight color as a primary medium in digital emotional politics and propose color-based activism as a theoretical contribution for understanding visual symbols in contemporary social movements.

This study analyzes the communication strategies of Islamic preaching on TikTok in responding to the challenges of digital anxiety among the younger generation. The main focus of the study is the exploration of the casual (chill) style of preaching and self-regulation techniques as an effort to create calm in the audience. It uses qualitative methods with a content analysis design on 80 popular Islamic preaching videos (2023–2025) and in-depth interviews with 10 informants (aged 18–30). Theoretically, this study integrates Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory, specifically the levels of safety and self-actualization needs as a framework for interpreting the effects of content. The results show that the chill style, through an empathetic approach and friendly visuals, combined with self-regulation instructions (reflective pauses and breathing techniques), is proven effective in reducing momentary anxiety scores and increasing audience relaxation. The success of this strategy is indicated by an increase in the audience's ability to manage negative emotions after consuming the content. The limitations of this study lie in the duration of the calming effect, which is temporary and highly dependent on user personalization algorithms. This study recommends the integration of health literacy

The effectiveness of Islamic religious propagation in the digital era requires adaptive and measurable communication strategies. This research aims to analyze Ustadz Abdul Somad's preaching strategy in enhancing the effectiveness of religious propagation through digital media utilization. The research method uses a qualitative approach with library research on various scientific literature, academic articles, and digital documentation. The results show that Ustadz Abdul Somad implements five main strategies: (1) content segmentation based on audience needs, (2) optimization of social media platform algorithms, (3) personalization of communication style with simple and contextual language, (4) consistency of content publication schedule, and (5) building two-way interaction with the audience. The effectiveness of the strategy is proven by high engagement rates and reach of millions of followers across platforms. The contribution of this research provides a digital preaching strategy model that can be adopted by preachers in optimizing religious propagation in the digital era

This research is based on the increasingly complex socio-religious reality in the era of urbanization and globalization, when Islamic movements are no longer merely understood as spiritual expressions, but also as social phenomena that shape collective identity, solidarity, and new patterns of interaction in the public sphere. The focus of this study is to examine how the social theories developed by Charles Tilly, Alberto Melucci, Olivier Roy, and Asef Bayat are able to frame the dynamics of contemporary Islamic movements, particularly in the context of urban societies and global change. Through a descriptive qualitative approach based on literature studies, data was collected from primary and secondary sources, then analyzed using Robert N. Entman's framing model. This analysis covers four main dimensions, namely problem definition, cause tracing, moral assessment, and solutions offered from the theoretical frameworks of the four thinkers. The results of the study show that Tilly's theory of mobilization and collective action repertoire, Melucci's concept of collective identity, Roy's idea of the de-territorialization of religion, and Bayat's idea of post-Islamism complement each other in explaining the process of transformation of Islamic movements that are increasingly adaptive, pragmatic, and transnational in nature. The findings of this study confirm that urban Islamic movements are not only a reaction to modernity, but also an active effort to construct meaning, legitimacy, and social strategies amid the tide of global change. The main contribution of this study lies in enriching the theoretical framework regarding Islamic social movements, while also providing practical implications for strengthening moderation, developing cross-identity dialogue, and formulating public policies that are more sensitive to contemporary religious dynamics.

This study aims to analyze the structure of threats (tahrib) in Buya Yahya's lecture entitled “Ngeri! Ancaman & Hukuman Meninggalkan Sholat Menurut Jumhur Ulama” (Terrifying! Threats & Punishments for Abandoning Prayer According to the Majority of Scholars) as a punishment stimulus in the behaviorist framework. The method used in this study is qualitative with a literature review approach. Data was obtained through Buya Yahya's sermons accessed via his official YouTube channel and other supporting literature related to the concept of tahrib, behaviorism theory, and the psychology of preaching. The results of the study show that Buya Yahya's sermons form a stimulus-response pattern in line with the principles of behaviorism, where tarhīb and punishment function as educational tools with the hope of shaping religious behavior in accordance with Islamic values

Web series, also known as web series, are a rapidly growing form of digital media. One phenomenal web series that has captured public attention is the Malaysian web series "Bidaah." This web series became a trending topic due to its depiction of religious deviations and achieved 2.5 billion views in a relatively short period of time, from March 6 to April 6, 2025. This study aims to uncover the symbolic meanings and hidden messages related to the religious deviation practices contained in the series. This research also used qualitative methods with an interpretive approach. The data sources were all scenes in the Bidaah web series, from episodes 1 to 13, that contain symbols of religious deviation. Data analysis employed Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis, which distinguishes between denotative, connotative, and mythical meanings. The results show that the Bidaah series depicts various deviant practices that manipulate religious symbols and legitimacy as a means of social control, reflecting authoritarian domination and oppression in the religious sphere. This study provides important insights into the complexities of religious abuse in digital media and emphasizes the need for critical awareness and strengthened religious education to prevent such abuse.

This study analyzes the moral messages presented in the web series Bidaah using Teun A. Van Dijk’s Critical Discourse Analysis model. The research problem arises from the growing presence of distorted religious representations in digital media, which increasingly shape public perceptions of religious authority. The study aims to reveal how meaning is constructed through textual structures, the social cognition of the film’s creators, and the broader social context surrounding the production of Bidaah. The research method involves direct observation of the series, systematic documentation of its narrative and visual elements, and a review of relevant literature. The findings show that Bidaah conveys strong moral messages about the misuse of religion, the exercise of power, and the importance of critically pursuing truth. At the textual level, the film highlights the tension between dogma and common sense through the depiction of character conflicts. At the level of social cognition, it reflects the creators’ intention to encourage viewers to think critically about the legitimacy of religious authority. At the contextual level, the series mirrors ongoing issues of religious manipulation in contemporary society. The study concludes that Bidaah functions not only as entertainment but also as an educational medium that promotes a rational and humanistic understanding of religion. The contribution of this research lies in mapping the structure of moral messages in digital media content and demonstrating the usefulness of Van Dijk’s discourse analysis model for examining religious representation in popular culture.

Previous studies on comedic content on TikTok have generally focused on its impact on audience engagement, while research examining the content production process as a marketing strategy remains limited. This study aims to analyze the production process of situational comedy content as a marketing strategy for Vitoza Madu Pahit on TikTok. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed through field observation, active participation, interviews, and literature review. The findings indicate that the production of situational comedy content is carried out through structured yet adaptive stages of pre-production, production, and post-production in response to digital trends. The success of the marketing strategy is influenced by internal factors such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, as well as external factors including social media trends and audience responses. This study highlights the importance of the creative content production process as a strategic element in social media–based digital marketing.

This study explores the phenomenon of Typing Ganteng, a digital typing style characterized by politeness, clarity, and aesthetic appeal, as a form of interpersonal communication and personal branding among Generation Z. Grounded in interpersonal communication theory and digital identity discourse, the research applies a qualitative phenomenological approach to investigate how Generation Z constructs and manages impressions through text-based communication. Data were collected from 15–20 participants via in-depth interviews, digital conversation analysis, and online observations. The findings reveal that Typing Ganteng serves as a strategic tool for impression management, helping users convey a friendly and trustworthy persona. This style also reflects broader digital cultural norms, including gender-neutral politeness and communication consistency across platforms. The study contributes to communication scholarship by positioning text as a performative medium for identity expression. Ultimately, Typing Ganteng is not merely a stylistic trend but a deliberate interpersonal strategy shaped by the expectations of digital culture.

This study analyzes the representation of Pondok Pesantren Lirboyo in the Xpose Uncensored broadcast on Trans7, which sparked controversy among the public and religious institutions. Using framing analysis and the theory of hegemony, this research aims to explore how the media frames pesantren as an object of spectacle and the values produced through such representations. The results show that the broadcast depicted pesantren from a negative and sensationalist perspective, highlighting certain aspects of the life of santri considered unusual. Moreover, the media framing created a dichotomy between "modernity" and "pesantren tradition," implicitly undermining the spiritual values within pesantren. The reactions to this broadcast reflect the resistance of the pesantren community, criticizing and responding to the media framing through various channels, including boycott campaigns and legal interventions. This study contributes to understanding the power dynamics in the representation of religion in mass media and the importance of media literacy and broadcast regulations that are more sensitive to diversity. The practical implications of this research include the need to strengthen regulations that protect religious institutions from media exploitation

This study aims to analyze public interaction patterns within the dynamics of opinion wars on viral social issues in 2025, using Instagram and X (Twitter) as case studies. Viral phenomena are understood as arenas of meaning production and exchange, where users respond through comments, reposts, and hashtag participation. This research employs a qualitative method with a discourse analysis approach to explore message construction, interaction patterns, and public opinion orientation. Symbolic Interaction Theory is used to explain how meanings are created and negotiated among users, while the Spiral of Silence Theory is applied to understand the tendency of users to support or withhold opinions based on the dominance of the majority opinion in digital spaces. Data were collected through the documentation of 250 viral posts on Instagram and X, as well as an analysis of over 10,000 comments and 1,500 retweets between January and April 2025, during the peak period of viral issue visibility. The findings indicate that opinion wars are driven not only by ideological differences but also by algorithmic mechanisms that amplify the visibility of specific messages. Public interactions tend to form two dominant camps that reinforce their narratives through comments, retweets, and symbolic support. It was also found that users with minority opinions are more likely to remain silent or migrate to closed discussion spaces, such as WhatsApp groups or Instagram’s Close Friends feature. This study concludes that opinion wars on social media are communicative processes influenced by symbolic meaning, social pressure, and algorithmic amplification, which may exacerbate social polarization. The findings provide deeper insights into the dynamics of public opinion formation and the impact of algorithms on digital communication in the 2025 social media environment.

This study discusses the effectiveness of using Instagram as a digital marketing tool to support event activation activities carried out by Kalbe Consumer Health Branch Bogor. The purpose of this research is to analyze how Instagram contributes to increasing audience engagement, strengthening brand image, and expanding the reach of promotional activities. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive approach through observation, documentation, and analysis of social media content related to Kalbe’s event activations. The results show that Instagram plays a significant role in enhancing public awareness, fostering interactive engagement, and supporting sales performance during event promotions. Moreover, the integration between online activities and offline events creates a consistent and impactful communication strategy. Overall, the use of Instagram has proven to be an effective medium for strengthening brand presence and optimizing marketing communication at Kalbe Consumer Health Branch Bogor

The phenomenon of hate speech narratives on social media reflects an increasingly complex crisis in communication ethics in the digital disinformation era. Dakwah, which should be a means of moral education, is now often trapped in polarizing rhetoric that narrows the space for religious dialog. This research aims to analyze the construction of hate narratives in digital preaching discourse and examine their relationship to the crisis of communication ethics amidst the flow of disinformation. Using a descriptive qualitative approach with Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) method, this study analyzes the content of religious sermons on the YouTube, X (Twitter), and TikTok platforms that feature hate speech and ideological bias. The research findings indicate that disinformation serves as the primary trigger for the emergence of hate narratives, which then exacerbate the crisis of communication ethics in the digital preaching space. Confrontational da'wah language tends to create a moral dichotomy between "us" and "them," strengthen social polarization, and weaken the principle of tabligh bil hikmah (preaching with wisdom). However, digital preaching also has the potential to be an instrument of moral restoration when managed with the values of rahmatan lil 'alamin, which emphasize empathy, honesty, and social responsibility. This research confirms that digital communication ethics literacy and the application of discourse ethics principles are essential foundations for building a civilized and inclusive da'wah space in the era of global disinformation