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The rise of digital technology has transformed the way political messages are conveyed, notably through digital advertising platforms that often incorporate subtle propaganda using engaging and persuasive content. This study investigates the link between propaganda and digital advertising, focusing on their impact on public perception, especially during political campaigns. Applying a descriptive qualitative approach, the research involves content analysis of political advertisements and interviews with active social media users. The findings show that political ads frequently embed propaganda elements through emotional storytelling and symbolic imagery. Many viewers remain unaware that such messages are designed to influence their opinions. The study concludes that digital platforms serve not only as marketing tools but also as powerful vehicles for covert propaganda. Therefore, strengthening media literacy is crucial to help the public critically interpret political content online.  

. Advertisement is a communication tool containing symbolic messages to shape consumer perception and persuade behavior. One of the notable advertisements is the herbal product Tolak Angin, with the slogan “Orang Pintar Minum Tolak Angin”. The purpose of this study is to analyze the meaning of the messages contained in the slogan and how this advertisement forms a consumer image through the symbols and narratives conveyed. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a literature review method and Roland Barthes' semiotic theory as an analysis knife. This theory is used to see meaning through three layers, namely denotation, connotation, and myth. Tolak Angin advertisements are analyzed based on visual elements, character expressions, colors, verbal text, and other symbols that appear in the broadcast. The result shows that the advertisement constructs an image of a smart, modern, and health-conscious consumer through symbolic representation. It also creates a myth that consuming herbal medicine is a sign of intelligence and awareness of healthy living.

This article explores the dimensions of spiritualism and existential feminism in the short story Umi Kalsum by Djamil Suherman using a qualitative descriptive approach combined. The study focuses on interpreting symbolic and ideological elements within the text that reflect the search for life’s meaning, spiritual awareness, and the position of women within a patriarchal social structure. Data were obtained through literature review and analyzed in depth through the processes of data reduction, presentation, and interpretive reflection, with validity ensured through source triangulation and repeated readings. The findings reveal that the character Umi Kalsum represents a devout woman who lives under strict social norms, yet possesses strong spiritual and inner resilience. Spiritual values are reflected in her submissive and sincere acceptance of suffering, while existential feminism is expressed through her inner conflict and struggle for personal freedom. The protagonist’s tragic end serves as a symbolic protest against the restrictive social order imposed on women. This short story illustrates how spiritual experience and existential awareness can act as liberating forces in the face of gender-based injustice.

Q.S. Luqman verse 27 is one of the Qur’anic verses that employs tashbih (simile) to illustrate the vastness of Allah’s knowledge and His divine majesty. The verse states that if all the trees on earth were pens and the seas were ink, they would not suffice to write the words of Allah. This study aims to analyze the structure of the simile in this verse and uncover its spiritual dimension through a Sufi interpretive approach. Using a qualitative library research method, primary sources include Sufi Qur’anic commentaries such as those of Al-Qushayri. The analysis reveals that the symbols of pens, ink, and the sea not only represent the boundlessness of divine knowledge but also convey esoteric meanings about the relationship between the servant and the Divine. Sufi interpretation emphasizes that Allah’s majesty cannot be grasped by reason alone, but rather through spiritual unveiling (kashf) and ma‘rifah (gnosis). Thus, the Sufi perspective enriches the understanding of this verse—not only literally, but also as a spiritual call toward deeper awareness of Allah’s infinite power and presence.

Women in the village government in Wewiku District, Malaka Regency in 2013, the number of Lamea Village officials is more dominant than Seserai, Lorotolus and Alkani villages. Therefore, the main problem raised in this study is to find out why the number of women in the Lamea Village government structure is more dominant than other villages and how the leadership patterns of female village heads and village officials are in organizing village government in Lamea Village, Wewiku District. The method used in this study is a qualitative description using a descriptive case study method. The results of the study indicate that the reason for the dominance of women in the government structure in Lamea Village is because female leaders have high intelligence, have a vision and mission and are able to communicate the vision and mission well, and have high communication skills. In addition, the myth that women are not able to lead, therefore it is necessary to empower women, fight for gender equality, a balanced division of roles and functions between men and women, feel more comfortable and compatible with women. While in the pattern of female leadership, not everything is running optimally. Other findings from this study are: the concept of listening from ema tetun is hanono, rona malu, loke tilun no neon laran hodi rona sasa maak ema dale mai ita. The approaches used are hamata, kalalan and mon metan. The concept of empathy according to ema tetun is nu'u dar, nu'u kmesak, hanesan, manesak which means feeling the same fate and suffering. The approaches used are haklaran malu, hanoin malu, hadomi malu, sudi hamutu. The concept of the ability to serve according to ema tetun is haliku. The approaches used are tu'an malu, tulun malu, hakneter haktaek. The symbols used are tanasak, kabir, tais feto and tais mane. The concept of commitment to human growth according to ema tetun is neon metin. The approaches used are meno malu and hala'ok. The concept of building humans according to ema tetun is hader renu, foti renu. The approaches used are karian hamutu and hakawak

This study aims to describe and analyze the representation of Indonesian culture in Fiersa Besari's novel Arah Langkah using Roland Barthes' semiotic approach. This novel presents the narrative of the journey of the novel's characters who discover the diversity of Indonesian culture through geographical descriptions, customs, and social interactions that occur. Using descriptive qualitative methods and literature studies, the study examines the cultural signs that appear in the text in depth at the level of denotative, connotative, and cultural myth meanings. Barthes' approach allows the disclosure of layers of symbolic and ideological meanings hidden in the novel's cultural representation. The results of the analysis are expected to enrich literary and cultural studies, increase readers' appreciation of Indonesian cultural values, and contribute to the preservation of the nation's cultural identity amidst the flow of globalization. This study also emphasizes the role of the novel as a medium for reflecting socio-cultural life and a means of learning life values through the experiences of characters in the story.

The Toba Batak culture has a strong symbolic richness, especially in the traditional rituals of death which are full of theological and social meanings. One of the important symbols in the ceremony is Sijagaron, which literally means "guard" or "escort", and is used as a symbol of final respect to the deceased. This research aims to examine the meaning of Sijagaron through a contextual theological approach, by looking at how this symbol can be understood in the light of the Christian faith and its relevance in the lives of Toba Batak believers today. The method used is a descriptive qualitative study with a theological and anthropological approach. The results of the study show that Sijagaron contains Christian values such as love, fellowship, and respect for God's creation. From a contextual theological perspective, Sijagaron can be interpreted as a bridge between faith and culture, which shows that local cultural symbols can be a means of contextual evangelism. Thus, the culture of Sijagaron does not contradict the Christian faith, but rather enriches the people's understanding of the mystery of death and eternal life.

East Africa has great potential in the tourism sector, but is vulnerable to the threat of terrorism that can hinder economic growth and regional stability. This research aims to analyze the impact of terrorism on tourism development, especially in Kenya as a case study. The research uses a Library Research method with a descriptive qualitative approach based on narrative and contextual. The theory used is the tactical definition of terrorism by C.A.J Coady which emphasizes violence against civilians for political interests and Esmailzadeh's perspective which states the adaptive and global nature of terrorism. The results of the analysis show that terror attacks, such as those that occurred in several countries in the East African region, do not only cause physical casualties but also psychological and symbolic impacts in the form of declining tourist numbers, disruption of security perceptions and a negative image of the destination in the eyes of the international community. This study emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach: hard security, inclusive economic development, and soft power-based promotion. The novelty of this research lies in the integration of theoretical-philosophical approaches and empirical data to assess the linkages between security and tourism in conflict-prone areas, which have rarely been studied in depth in the East African context.

This study explores the use of referential expressions in six selected songs from NIKI Zefanya’s 2024 album Buzz. Using a qualitative descriptive method and Halliday and Hasan’s theory of reference, the research aims to identify the types of referential expressions used in the lyrics and analyze their contribution to meaning and emotional impact. The findings reveal a total of 74 referential expressions, consisting of 53 personal references, 9 demonstrative references, and 12 comparative references. Personal references, such as I, you, and my, are the most dominant and function to express intimacy, personal emotion, and connection with the listener. Demonstrative references, like this and that, help point to emotional states or symbolic meanings. Comparative references, including like, better, and too much, are used to express metaphor, contrast, or emotional intensity. The study concludes that referential expressions not only serve grammatical functions but also shape how meaning is constructed in song lyrics. These expressions enhance narrative clarity, emotional depth, and listener engagement, showing that even small linguistic choices can have a strong impact on how music is experienced and understood.

This study is a literature review that discusses the relationship between sports and politics in historical and contemporary contexts. Through an analysis of 10 recent scientific articles and journals, it was found that sports function not only as physical activities, but also as a tool of diplomacy, a symbol of identity, and a means of political expression. This study identifies various forms of political intervention in sports, both at the institutional level such as FIFA and UEFA, and by countries and individuals such as athletes. In Indonesia, history shows that sports have been a medium for political struggle since the colonial era until now as a tool for imaging and policy diplomacy. This finding emphasizes that sports are not neutral spaces, but strategic arenas in the dynamics of power and global identity. This study provides theoretical and practical contributions in understanding the strategic role of sports in socio-political development and encourages broader interdisciplinary studies in the future.

The #KaburAjaDulu phenomenon that emerged in early 2025 became a digital expression of Generation Z Indonesia towards various social, economic and political unrest in the country. This hashtag not only reflects the desire to migrate, but also symbolizes criticism of the national situation that is considered not to provide hope and space to develop for young people. This research uses a qualitative approach with the descriptive analysis, and utilizes constructivism theory in international relations and social identity theory to understand the dynamics of Generation Z's increasingly transnational identity. Through social media and diaspora support, Gen Z forms a global community that reinforces a collective narrative of seeking a future beyond national borders. Their identities are no longer confined to conventional nationalism, but are continuously negotiated through cross-border interactions and diasporic experiences. This research concludes that #KaburAjaDulu is not just a temporary trend, but a reflection of the transformation of youth identity in the era of globalization and digitalization. The findings highlight the importance of policies that are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the younger generation so that they not only become global actors, but also still feel a sense of belonging and want to build the homeland.

The beach cloth works created apply Nias ornaments as a renewal idea to make them attractive and different from previous beach cloths. The aim is to find out the preservation activities of Nias ornaments in the cycle of batik-based beach cloths. Nias ornaments have certain symbolic meanings that are believed and trusted by the local community. Ornaments that are part of fine art by paying attention to the principles in applying Nias ornaments to the beach cloths created. The creation process is carried out by: 1. Data collection, 2. Determining ornaments as samples, 3. Designing digital-based motifs, 4. Transferring designs to primis mori cloth, 4. The canting process using liquid wax, 5. Coloring beach cloth, 6. Locking the color of the cloth using waterglass, 7. Removing wax by boiling and processing the cloth, 8. Drying the cloth until dry. The creation produced 12 different beach cloth works with innovations to preserve Nias ornaments, while at the same time socializing beach cloth as a typical souvenir of the Nias tribe through art exhibitions.

The origin of the universe can be viewed from two main perspectives, the Qur'an and modern cosmology. In the Qur'an, the process of creation of the heavens and the earth is expressed through the terms al-khalq and al-bad', which indicate creation from existing matter or from nothing. Several verses such as QS. Al-Anbiya' [21]:30, QS. Fussilat [41]:11, and QS. Adz-Dzariyat [51]:47 describe the creation symbolically in line with scientific concepts such as the Big Bang theory and the expansion of the universe. This study uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method and philosophical reflection within the framework of Islamic educational philosophy. From the perspective of modern cosmology, the understanding of the beginning of the universe is based on the Big Bang theory, cosmic inflation, and microwave background radiation (CMB). This article also discusses the meeting point between revelation (naqlī) and empirical rationality ('aqlī), and emphasizes the importance of methodological dialogue between the science of interpretation and science. The findings of this study reveal that although the Qur'anic approach and scientific cosmology come from different bases, both can complement each other in deepening human understanding of the universe and its position as a living creature created by God. Therefore, the epistemological integration between the two becomes the basis for a more complete understanding in theological, scientific, and philosophical aspects of the origin of the universe

In an effort to understand the richness of local culture that continues to survive amid the tides of changing times, this study examines the philosophical meaning of the traditional expression Panjang Tong Dipotong, Pondok Tong Disambung as a foundational value in cultural preservation in the Cikondang Indigenous Village. This research aims to reveal how this philosophy is applied in the daily lives of the community and its role in maintaining cultural continuity. The study was conducted using a qualitative method with an ethnographic approach, and data were collected through in-depth interviews with several informants from the Cikondang Indigenous Village community. The findings show that the expression is not only a symbol of tradition but also serves as a guiding principle that preserves cultural heritage in an intact and adaptive manner amidst the forces of globalization and modernization.

QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) is a national digital payment innovation launched by Bank Indonesia to strengthen Indonesia’s digital and economic sovereignty. By integrating various payment platforms into a single QR code standard, QRIS simplifies domestic transactions—especially for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—while reinforcing state control over financial infrastructure and data flows. This policy reduces reliance on international payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard, which previously dominated digital transactions and stored data abroad. On a global scale, QRIS functions as a tool of digital economic diplomacy through cross-border payment initiatives like ASEAN Pay, enabling Indonesia to expand its influence in the global digital payment ecosystem. However, the United States has criticized QRIS, arguing that it restricts access for foreign companies and poses a barrier to trade. In response, the Indonesian government asserts that QRIS is designed to protect national interests while promoting fair international collaboration. This study employs a normative juridical and descriptive qualitative approach to analyze QRIS-related regulations, its impact on digital sovereignty, and its implications for international trade relations. Secondary data is sourced from literature studies and official documents. The findings reveal that QRIS plays a vital role in accelerating MSME digital transformation, enhancing financial inclusion, and strengthening Indonesia’s bargaining position in global digital finance. Ultimately, QRIS stands not only as a transaction tool but also as a strategic symbol of Indonesia’s digital independence and competitiveness in the international financial landscape.

This study aims to analyze the lexical and contextual meanings in the lyrics of the song “Mangu” by Fourtwnty Ft. Charita Utami. This song was chosen because it contains emotional, symbolic, and reflective messages that reflect inner turmoil and value conflicts in human relationships. The method used is a descriptive qualitative approach with semantic analysis techniques. Data was obtained from the song lyrics and analyzed through the stages of identifying lexical meaning based on the literal meaning of the words, and contextual meaning based on the situation and context of their use. The results of the study indicate that the lyrics of “Mangu” contain various forms of lexical meaning such as synonyms, antonyms, collocations, polysemy, and idioms, as well as contextual meaning reflecting spiritual conflict, differences in principles, and the search for identity. This song symbolically represents the social conditions often experienced by individuals in personal and existential relationships. These findings enrich the study of semantics in popular literary works and can be implemented in Indonesian language learning as contextual and meaningful teaching materials.

Murals are positioned as texts that communicate social messages through a combination of visual and symbolic, and act as a medium for environmental advocacy in public spaces. This study discusses the mural design with the theme "The Impact of Vehicle Pollution on Public Health" as a form of visual language analyzed through M.A.K. Halliday's systemic functional linguistic approach, especially in the aspect of the situational context consisting of field, tenor, and mode. This analysis shows that the mural field reflects environmental issues and their impact on public health. The participants in this study include artists as message makers and the wider community as audiences; while the mode relies on strong visual images, symbolic colors, and text elements to strengthen the message. The results of the study reveal that this mural design not only functions as an artistic expression, but also as a means to build effective social awareness through visual strategies. This study emphasizes that understanding the situational context of mural design is very important for interpreting the message conveyed more deeply and critically to society.

Islamic education does not merely focus on the transfer of knowledge but also emphasizes the development of character, morality, and spiritual consciousness. Spiritual values are central in shaping learners who are not only intellectually capable but also faithful and pious. In this context, teachers serve not only as educators but also as spiritual mentors who instill values such as sincerity (ikhlas), trust in God (tawakkal), and divine awareness. This study aims to: 1) Explore the content and themes of the novel Imama Al-Hafidzh by Tri Lyagustina; and 2) Identify the Islamic spiritual values present in the novel and their relevance to contemporary life. This research employs a qualitative approach using library research methods, relying on both primary and secondary sources. Data analysis was conducted by collecting, comparing, and synthesizing information to produce a systematic and comprehensive study. The findings reveal that the novel tells the story of a young man who burns his own finger in a forest to resist temptation, symbolizing strong faith and self-control. The novel conveys messages such as steadfastness in principles, resisting worldly pleasures, not neglecting worship, and making the most of life to serve Allah. The spiritual values found in the novel include: faith, sincerity, patience, trust in God, gratitude, acceptance, repentance, Islamic brotherhood, asceticism, positive thinking, humility in worship, consistency, and love. These values, which are rooted in the Qur’an and Hadith, are highly relevant and can be integrated into Islamic religious education to strengthen students' character in the face of modern challenges.

This study aims to examine the meanings contained in the poem "Bunga Gugur" by W.S. Rendra using a semantic approach. Poetry was chosen as the object of study because of its ability to reflect human life and feelings through poetic symbols and language. The analysis focused on four types of meaning in semantics, namely lexical, grammatical, referential, and figurative meaning. The research method used is qualitative descriptive with literature study techniques. The results of the analysis show that this poem is rich in lexical and figurative meanings, which strengthen the message of loss, love, and the transience of life. The use of symbols such as "bunga", "gugur", and "asmara" emphasizes the emotional devastation caused by death. With a semantic approach, the hidden meaning in the poem can be revealed systematically, thus helping readers understand the depth of the message the poet wants to convey. This research is expected to enrich linguistic studies in the analysis of literary works and increase appreciation for modern Indonesian poetry.

This study examines the poem Sajak Sebatang Lisong by W.S. Rendra through a postcolonial lens, focusing on the underlying social criticism embedded within the text. The poem reflects the persistent social inequalities that continue to affect Indonesian society in the post-independence era, particularly in the realms of education and the marginalization of impoverished children. Through symbols such as the cigarette (lisong), wealthy elites (cukong), and the imagery of an endless road, the poem highlights the lingering presence of colonial structures within contemporary social and educational systems. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the study utilizes textual analysis and socio-cultural context as primary analytical tools. The findings reveal that political independence has not been fully accompanied by social justice. Structural oppression and limited opportunities continue to hinder the younger generation in their pursuit of a better future. As such, the poem serves as a powerful literary critique of neocolonial practices and ongoing social alienation. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how literature can reflect colonial legacies and the socio-political dynamics of post-independence Indonesia, while also enriching the discourse in postcolonial literary studies.