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This research discusses the representation of Quranic values in the movie Setetes Embun Cinta Niyala through the Charles Sanders Peirce semiotic approach. Movies as visual media are not only entertainment, but can also be a means of da'wah and moral education. This research aims to reveal how the sign structure (icon, index, symbol) is used to represent Quranic messages, and how the meaning of the sign is interpreted by audience. The method used is descriptive qualitative with observation techniques of scenes in the movie that contain Islamic values. The analysis technique was carried out using the Charles Sanders Peirce Semiotics method. The results of the analysis show that this film explicitly and implicitly displays Quranic messages through visual representations (prayer rugs, prayers, social interactions) and verbal (dialog, quotations of Qur'anic verses). Values such as tawakkal, filial piety, honesty, brotherhood, and sharia restrictions on marriage are displayed by referring to the verses of the Qur'an, which are reinforced through symbolic meaning based on Peirce's theory. This research shows that film can be an effective medium in conveying religious and moral messages, especially when the signs in the film are analyzed in depth through a semiotic approach.

This article discusses the role of sea fences as an instrument of national defense within the framework of the Archipelago Outlook. Sea fences are seen as a strategic line of defense against various threats in Indonesia's maritime territory. With a descriptive-qualitative approach and secondary data from online news, this article reviews the function of sea fences in strengthening the sovereignty and unity of the country's territory. The findings show that sea fences are not only physical, but also geopolitical symbols that internalize the values ​​of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.

Informatics is a subject that is desired to be able to contribute computational thinking skills based on logic, as well to the ways to think in solving a problem more effectively, efficiently and optimally in various fields of life that are now inseparable from the use of computers also provides technological skills where the binary system has several basic gates, namely NOT, AND and OR which are basic gates have symbols, truth tables, and gates that must be remembered and balanced according to the provisions in Boolean algebra, Basically students have difficulty understanding it because the teacher's method when delivering the material still uses the method of delivering practice, group work, lectures, questions and answers, and short quizzes. However, the practice carried out in this class only describes the input of the truth table which is depicted on the board and after that the basic gate is made using symbols, so this training is carried out to improve the skills of students who get an 85% increase and are categorized as being able to implement and are stated to have increased in Skill.

This study examines how colonial power is articulated through the form, spatial layout, and symbolism of Bogor Palace, and how post-independence transformations in function and discourse shape its new identity. As a colonial architectural legacy, Bogor Palace holds historical significance and reflects power dynamics, cultural representation, and spatial acculturation in both colonial and postcolonial contexts. The research highlights the importance of reassessing colonial architecture as a medium for representing power and ideology, especially in buildings that remain national symbols. Using a qualitative approach with literature review and visual analysis, the study applies Michel Foucault’s theory of power and discourse to reveal embedded power structures, and Erwin Panofsky’s iconography and iconology to decode visual symbols and meanings. Findings show that the neoclassical European style of the palace reflects colonial dominance, yet its adaptation through local materials, construction techniques, and climate-responsive elements indicates a complex process of acculturation. Initially marginal, local culture becomes integrated into the building’s design. After independence, the palace was resemanticized from a colonial icon to a national emblem, illustrating a shift in identity and power narratives. Today, restoration efforts not only preserve its historical value but also reaffirm role as a dynamic cultural space shaping Indonesia’s collective memory.

Teacher motivation, instructional effectiveness, professional learning, and retention continue to pose significant challenges in educational systems worldwide, often exacerbated by elevated levels of burnout and turnover. This study investigates the intersection between modern strategic management and Sharia-based leadership within Islamic educational institutions. Using a qualitative library research method, the paper analyzes recent scholarly literature to examine how Islamic ethics can be integrated into institutional governance. The findings suggest that modern management tools—such as strategic planning, SWOT analysis, and performance evaluations—can be effectively aligned with Islamic values when guided by principles such as shura (consultation), amanah (trust), and ‘adl (justice). However, a significant gap remains between theoretical ideals and actual administrative practices, often driven by bureaucratic and secular benchmarks. The study further identifies a lack of a comprehensive, operational Sharia-compliant leadership model that systematically combines strategic management theory with Islamic jurisprudence. Such a framework is essential for defining ethical leadership roles, participatory governance mechanisms, and accountability systems. Integrating Islamic ethics into leadership practices fosters stakeholder trust—among teachers, parents, and students—which in turn reinforces institutional legitimacy and supports long-term sustainability. The research emphasizes the need for Islamic educational institutions to move beyond symbolic adherence to Sharia and adopt integrated, ethically coherent leadership practices that address both moral and managerial imperatives.

Abstract This study examines the representation of Islam in the architecture of the KH Hasyim Asy'ari Indonesian Islamic Museum as a symbol of preserving Islamic history and culture in Indonesia. Using a descriptive qualitative method, this study identifies the symbolic and philosophical elements contained in the facade, interior, and circulation of the museum space. The results of the study show that the museum architecture adopts a post-modern style with a triangular pyramid shape that tapers upwards, symbolizing the majesty and sustainability of Islamic civilization. The concept of postmodern space is applied, with unclear boundaries between spaces, creating a continuous visual and functional flow, while providing a harmonious spatial experience for visitors. The arrangement of space and circulation utilizes the principle of postmodern space, where spaces appear separate but remain visually and functionally connected, reflecting diversity and inclusivity in the concept of Islam. The representation of Islam on the museum facade is depicted through a motif that resembles santri sungkem to kyai, a symbol of respect and closeness to religious teachings. The pyramid shape not only adopts world architectural designs, but also has a philosophical meaning related to the majesty, identity, and heritage of Islamic civilization in Indonesia. This study confirms that museum architecture is not only a work of visual art, but also a symbol of Islamic identity that is profound and historically and culturally meaningful.  

This analysis discusses the political communication strategy of presidential and vice presidential candidate pair Anies Baswedan and Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) in the 2024 Presidential Election through a discourse analysis of their campaign advertisements. This campaign utilizes various propaganda techniques such as glittering generalities, plain folks, transfer, and contrast framing to shape political images, strengthen emotional connections with voters, and implicitly criticize political opponents. Symbols of the people and religiosity are used strategically to create social identification and legitimacy in the eyes of the public, especially traditional Muslim voters. In addition, the strategy of political public relations and the use of social media, including TikTok Live, show how the modern campaign approach has shifted towards digitalization and more targeted message segmentation. This analysis underlines the importance of emotional, symbolic, and inclusive communication narratives to avoid social fragmentation and shows that contemporary political campaigns are not only about conveying information, but also about strategic symbolic influence and imaging in the digital era.  

This study examines the denotative and connotative meanings contained in the lyrics of the song Garam dan Madu (Sakit Dadaku) by Tenxi, Naykilla, and Jemsii, which raises the theme of doubt and longing for love. The purpose of the study is to reveal the literal meaning and implied meaning in the lyrics. The method used is descriptive qualitative with data in the form of song lyric texts obtained from official sources. The results of the study show that the lyrics of this song contain other complementary meanings, namely the denotative meaning describes doubt, longing, uncertainty, and a promise to give the best in their relationship while the connotative meaning contains deeper emotions and symbolism related to love, hope, and commitment. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the song's message and its contribution to the study of semantics and popular culture.

This research aims to analyze the representation of mental disabilities and the concept of justice in the film Miracle in Cell No. 7 from a gender studies perspective. The film features a main character with intellectual disabilities who is a victim of an uninclusive and patriarchal legal system. The representation of disability in the film shows a combination of empathy and infantile stereotypes that place people with disabilities as objects of pity without agency. Through Stuart Hall's representation theory approach and Crenshaw's intersectionality framework, this research reveals how class identity, gender, and disability shape the main character's subordinate position. The method used is qualitative with a descriptive-analytical approach, where data is analyzed based on symbols, narratives, and cinematic elements in the film. The results show that the film uses emotional strategies to build closeness with the audience, but risks reproducing structural biases against vulnerable groups. Nonetheless, the film still has potential as a medium for social criticism of legal injustice and representational bias in popular culture. This research recommends the need for a more inclusive and humane cinematic approach in depicting people with disabilities and gender inequality.

The Majapahit Surya Ornament is an ornament in the form of a sun decoration with a circular center and the outermost part forming the rays of the sun. The center is circular and has been divided into eight rooms with one room on the middle side. The Majapahit Surya Ornament is found in the Trowulan Museum and the Great Mosque of Demak. This ornament is a symbol of Hindu-Buddhist cosmology during the Majapahit era, which was adapted into a symbol of monotheism in the Islamic tradition during the Demak Sultanate. This study uses a three-form cultural approach: ideas, activities, and artifacts to analyze the transformation of ornaments in terms of philosophical meaning, social function, and physical form. The results of the study show that in the Trowulan Museum, this ornament is maintained in its original form to symbolize harmony and divine power, while in the Great Mosque of Demak, this ornament has undergone modifications in meaning and technique according to Islamic-Javanese values. This finding reveals the process of harmonious cultural acculturation between Hindu-Buddhist and Islam in Java, while also emphasizing the relevance of the Majapahit Surya ornament as a symbol of the rich and dynamic cultural heritage of the archipelago.

This study explores the transformation of Moksha Patam, a traditional Indian board game rooted in spiritual and moral education, into the globally commercialized game Snakes and Ladders. Originally designed to teach concepts like karma and moksha, the game was secularized during British colonialism and later commodified in the West, losing its original cultural and pedagogical meanings. Using a qualitative library research method, the paper analyzes historical texts, colonial records, and contemporary versions to examine how the game’s symbolism has evolved. Despite widespread homogenization, modern adaptations in countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, and Iran reflect local values and current social issues, indicating the game’s ongoing relevance and semiotic flexibility. Recent efforts by Indian educators and NGOs to reintroduce Moksha Patam into schools highlight a broader movement toward cultural reclamation and decolonized education. The study underscores the need to recognize and preserve indigenous knowledge systems in modern learning environments.

The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has provoked widespread global reactions, particularly in the form of economic resistance through consumer boycotts. These boycotts target Israeli-affiliated brands and multinational corporations perceived to be complicit in the occupation and oppression of Palestinians. The core issue lies in the ethical concerns of corporate involvement in human rights violations and the extent to which consumers can influence political dynamics through economic actions. This study aims to explore the global boycott movement as a form of nonviolent resistance, with a specific focus on the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign. Utilizing a library research methodology, this paper draws upon academic literature, news reports, campaign materials, and corporate statements to analyze the motivations, strategies, and impacts of boycott actions worldwide. It investigates how consumer behavior intersects with political activism, and how the digital age amplifies such movements. The research finds that boycotts serve not only as an expression of solidarity with oppressed populations but also as a tool to pressure companies and governments to reevaluate their stances and affiliations. Although the economic impact varies, the symbolic power of collective consumer action contributes significantly to shaping public discourse on global justice. This study highlights the growing importance of ethical consumerism in international relations and recommends further investigation into the legal, economic, and diplomatic consequences of sustained boycott movements.

This study explores how social identity is constructed and represented in the promotion of traditional tuak drinking culture through the social media content of Atlas Medan, a modern lapo tuak café. Utilizing Social Identity Theory, this research investigates how cultural symbols and regional slang—particularly from Batak and Medan cultures—are employed to reinforce a local identity while appealing to a young demographic (ages 20–40). Using semiotic analysis on 50 selected Instagram posts, this study decodes how Atlas Medan merges traditional and modern elements to craft a compelling digital presence. The findings indicate that the strategic use of Batak songs, Medan slang, and community-oriented visuals fosters a sense of belonging among viewers, effectively branding the café as a hub of local cultural pride. This research contributes to a broader understanding of local identity-based branding and the role of digital media in preserving yet reinterpreting traditional cultural elements in urban settings.

This study aims to analyze and compare the thanksgiving tradition of Gotilon in Batak society with the celebration of Erntedankfest in German culture. Both traditions are expressions of gratitude for the harvest and life’s blessings, yet they have developed within different cultural, social, and religious contexts. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method with a comparative-analytical approach. The findings reveal that Gotilon carries a strong religious dimension integrated with Batak customary practices, whereas Erntedankfest is more symbolic in modern German society, focusing on church services and social activities. This comparison highlights how values of gratitude are manifested through traditions shaped by cultural norms and societal development. This study is expected to enrich cross-cultural understanding and foster greater appreciation for both local and global heritage traditions.

Semantics is a branch of linguistics that studies meaning in language, whether implied in words, phrases, or sentences. In literary works such as songs, the use of language often contains multiple or symbolic meanings that may cause ambiguity for listeners. This becomes problematic when the audience interprets the lyrics differently from the songwriter’s intent. The song "Lihat, Dengar, Rasakan" by Sheila On 7 is an example of lyrics rich in meaning and symbolism, making it an interesting subject for semantic analysis. The aim of this study is to uncover and explain the lexical and grammatical meanings contained within the lyrics so that the message conveyed can be understood more thoroughly and deeply. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with observation, note-taking, and content analysis techniques. The results show a total of 17 lexical meaning data and 17 grammatical meaning data in the song lyrics. The lexical meanings consist of 10 synonymy data, 4 antonymy data, 2 homonymy data, 4 hyponymy data, 4 polysemy data, 3 ambiguity data, and 2 redundancy data. Meanwhile, the grammatical  meanings include 11 affixation data, 2 reduplication data, and 5 composition data. These findings reveal that the lyrics of "Lihat, Dengar, Rasakan" are rich in complex meanings, both lexically and grammatically. The conclusion of this research is that semantic analysis can unveil the deeper layers of meaning within song lyrics, helping listeners grasp the moral message, social critique, and spiritual values hidden behind the poetic language used by the songwriter.

This study examines the construction of adolescent identity in Falistiyana's novel Argantara through a sociological literary approach. Adolescent identity is the result of a process of searching for identity that takes place during the transition to adulthood and is greatly influenced by social factors, such as family, school, peers, and community norms. The Argantara novel depicts the complexity of adolescent life through its characters who experience social pressure in various forms, ranging from family expectations, social competition in the school environment, to stigma against differences in social background. This study found that social pressure is a significant factor in shaping and often limiting the expression of adolescent identity. However, the characters in the novel also show various resistance strategies, such as symbolic rebellion, selective adaptation, and the search for meaning through emotional relationships. Using Erikson's identity theory and Pierre Bourdieu's habitus concept, this study concludes that adolescent identity in Argantara is formed through the dialectic between social structure and individual agency. Literature, in this context, not only reflects the social reality of adolescents, but also becomes a medium to criticize the social pressures faced by the younger generation.

This research explores how figurative language shapes the depth of emotion and psychology in the poem Mirror by Sylvia Plath. Through a qualitative method with a literature study approach, this research aims to identify the types of figures of speech used and explain how these elements convey the lyricist's inner conflicts related to identity, aging, and self-perception. The analysis shows that Plath consciously uses personification, metaphor, simile, and symbolism to build a reflective and emotionally charged atmosphere. The mirror in this poem is not just an inanimate object, but is present as a conscious observer who speaks, judges, and becomes a silent witness to the aging process and identity crisis of the female character. Through metaphorical and symbolic imagery, the mirror transforms into an inner lake-space that reflects the search for self. The poem closes with an evocative simile, describing the deep fear of realizing one's fading youth. This study shows that Plath's use of similes is not only to embellish the poem, but as an important channel to express fears and emotional vulnerabilities that are often difficult to verbalize. The findings are expected to enrich literary discussions on how poetic language can reveal the complexity of human experience with clarity and intensity.

This study aims to analyze the semiotic meanings and symbols used in the tradition of “Famazawa Ono Alawe Nihalö” in the traditional wedding ceremony of the Nias community in Afulu, North Nias. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative with a semiotic approach by Charles Sanders Peirce, which views signs as representamen, object, and interpretation. Data collection techniques included literature review, field observation, and interviews with local figures from Afulu, North Nias. The data consisted of words, sentences, images, texts, and dialogues. The primary data sources were journals and an interview a cultural expert from Nias. The results of this study reveal that the symbols in the “Famazawa Ono Alawe Nihalö” tradition carry semiotic meanings that reflect respect for women, the sanctity of marriage, and the sociocultural structure of Nias society.

This study examines Boras Sipir Ni Tondi, a sacred cultural symbol of the Batak community which literally means “rice that restores the soul,” often used in traditional rituals as a medium of spiritual healing, blessing, and communal solidarity. The research addresses the growing theological tension and cultural disconnection among Batak Christian youth who are caught between ancestral heritage and the normative teachings of Christianity. The objective of this study is to explore the symbolic and theological meaning of Boras Sipir Ni Tondi and to develop a contextual approach for its integration into Christian Religious Education (CRE). Using a qualitative research approach with library research methods and contextual hermeneutic analysis, the study draws on theological literature, cultural anthropology, and scriptural narratives. The findings reveal that Boras Sipir Ni Tondi holds profound symbolic meanings aligned with Christian concepts of restoration, spiritual renewal, and divine grace. When interpreted theologically, this symbol can serve as a pedagogical tool to bridge faith and culture, especially through reflective learning models, contextual liturgies, and integrative teaching strategies. The study proposes that by embracing culturally meaningful symbols within the framework of biblical theology, CRE can foster spiritual identity that is both rooted in tradition and transformative in faith. It concludes that a critical and theologically grounded inculturation of local symbols enhances the relevance of Christian education, enabling learners to embody faith that is contextually aware, spiritually alive, and culturally rooted.  

Panjang Mulud tradition is one form of local wisdom that has developed in society as part of the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW). This study aims to describe the meaning, symbolism, and the cultural and religious values embedded in the tradition. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and literature studies on the implementation of Panjang Mulud in various regions, particularly in Java. The results show that Panjang Mulud is not merely a ceremonial celebration, but also a form of reverence for the Prophet Muhammad and a manifestation of social solidarity and the preservation of local culture. This tradition is rich in spiritual, social, and educational values that help strengthen the religious and cultural identity of the community. Therefore, Panjang Mulud is an important part of cultural heritage that deserves to be preserved amid the currents of modernization and globalization.