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Indonesian fashion SMEs have significant export opportunities, but their export performance remains suboptimal as not all businesses are able to convert innovation, digitalisation, and market orientation into tangible international competitiveness. This study aims to analyse the determinants of Indonesian fashion SMEs’ export performance from the perspectives of the Resource-Based View and Internationalisation Theory. The study employs an explanatory quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design involving 200 owners or key managers of fashion SMEs in East Java, selected through purposive sampling. Data were analysed using SEM-PLS. Simulation results indicate that internal capabilities, international market orientation, and access to international networks have a positive influence on competitive advantage, whilst competitive advantage has a positive influence on export performance. Internal capabilities and access to international networks also demonstrate a significant direct influence on export performance, whilst international market orientation is not directly significant but operates through competitive advantage. The implication is that strategies to boost fashion SME exports should focus on strengthening innovation, quality, brand differentiation, and international market networks, rather than merely on symbolic digital adoption.  

Traditional artworks, amidst the tide of modernization and digitalization, face the challenge of being stigmatized as static relics of the past. However, in the midst of increasingly modern civilization, traditional artworks are perceived to possess philosophical values ​​for the younger generation. The meanings contained in traditional songs possess a social perspective lacking in most traditional songs composed in the modern era. The purpose of this article is to examine the lyrics of Ki Nartosabdo's song "Lumbung Desa" philosophically and sociologically, applying Roland Barthes's semiotic theory. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive approach to analyze semiotics, comprising the significance of denotation, connotation, and myth.The analysis shows that the denotation in the lyrics of "Lumbung Desa" depicts agricultural activities occurring in rural communities. Connotatively, the lyrics interpret the values ​​of human spirituality towards God, integrity in work, and food self-sufficiency. From a mythical perspective, the lyrics symbolize the values ​​of harmony in social life and mutual cooperation as a solid foundation for building national stability and progress. Further analysis of the song lyrics' relevance in the modern era shows that the meaning of "Lumbung" has transformed into financial and digital independence, while the value of "Rukun" points to the application of ethics in the use of digital media in the modern era. This article concludes that preserving traditional songs is a strategy to revive culture as a manifestation of material progress that impacts the well-being of modern society.

This study aims to analyze the symbolic meaning of the mangulosi tradition in Toba Batak traditional wedding ceremonies using Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected from visual media such as YouTube and TikTok, supported by informants familiar with Toba Batak culture. The findings reveal that meaning in the mangulosi tradition is constructed through three levels of signification: denotation, connotation, and myth. At the denotative level, mangulosi is understood as the act of giving ulos in a wedding ceremony. At the connotative level, ulos and the ritual process convey symbolic meanings such as blessings, protection, harmony, and the strengthening of social and kinship relationships. At the myth level, the tradition reinforces the cultural ideology that marriage is considered legitimate when it receives recognition and blessings from family and customary authorities. Quantitatively, the findings show that artifacts are dominated by visual connotative meanings (40%), while ritual actions emphasize non-verbal (30%) and verbal (20%) meanings. Therefore, the mangulosi tradition is not only a ceremonial practice but also a medium for preserving cultural identity and social values within the Toba Batak community.

This study seeks to interpret the meaning of the lyrics in the song “Ada Titik‑Titik di Ujung Doa” by Sal Priadi through Schleiermacher’s hermeneutic approach. The song reveals a subtle spiritual dimension by means of metaphor and poetic language, portraying prayer as a personal, reflective, and hope‑laden form of inner conversation amid the uncertainty of life in the post‑pandemic era. By adopting a qualitative interpretive method, the research examines the song lyrics through Schleiermacher’s two principal dimensions: grammatical interpretation and psychological interpretation. The analysis shows that prayer in this song is not merely a conventional religious ritual, but an existential expression of human beings facing loss, isolation, and unfulfilled hopes. The phrase “titik‑titik di ujung doa” functions as a symbolic space of incomplete psycho‑spiritual longing, in which prayer is understood as an open, fragmented, and repetitive process, as well as a medium for reconciling with the past and seeking forgiveness for both oneself and others. Within Schleiermacher’s hermeneutic framework, the interpretation of these lyrics suggests that prayer in contemporary Indonesian pop music serves as a representation of human resilience, personal, reflective, and subtly critical of the notion that divine response must always be complete and perfectly resolved.

This research examines the comparison between Aristotelian Logic and Modern Logic from the perspective of Islamic education. It aims to understand their concepts, significant differences, the perspective of Islamic education, and their contribution to critical thinking. The study employs a philosophical-comparative approach. The findings indicate that Aristotelian Logic, with its deductive approach and syllogism, emphasizes universal truth and coherence. In contrast, Modern Logic focuses on symbolic formalism and empirical verification. Islamic education views logic as an epistemological tool to harmonize reason (`aql) and revelation (naql). The analysis reveals that integrating both logical systems is not only possible but also strategic. Their synthesis gives rise to "tawhidic rationality," a paradigm that combines analytical rigor with spiritual awareness. This integrative model significantly contributes to forming holistic critical thinking skills, where learners are not only intellectually proficient but also grounded in Islamic ethical and spiritual values. Consequently, this study provides a foundation for developing a more relevant Islamic education curriculum.

This reseacrch aims to reveal the metaphusical meaning within the Penti ceremony as a form of thanksgiving to God (Mori Kraeng) in the Kuleng Waga Tribe community, Mano Village, Easr Manggarai. The Penti ceremony is a hereditary customary rite that marks the end of the harvest season and server as a religious momentum to renew the relationship between humans, nature, ancestors, and God. From a metaphysical perspective, Penti reflects the awareness of the existential interconnectedness between creatures and the Creator, as developed in the philosophy of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas concerning actus assendi and participatio entis. Through a qualitative approach and cultur hermeneutics, this study interprets the symbols and ritual actions of Penti as a concrete expression of the ontological relationship between sreation and the Transcendent. The result of the study show that Penti contains three main metaphysical dimensions: first, the ontological dimension regarding human awareness of existence and dependence on God; Second, the perticipatory dimension concerning the role of ancestors as a spiritual bridge between humans and God; Third, the eschatological dimension regarding the hope for the ultimate perfection of life in God. Thus, Penti not only holds cultural value but also carries profound theological and metaphysical meaning.

This study aims to identify the learning needs of deaf students in internship programs, examine the challenges they face, develop appropriate solutions, and design as well as evaluate a visual module-based learning model to improve their work skills. The study used a Research and Development (R&D) approach with a 4D model: Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate. The participants included deaf students from special needs high schools (SMALB) involved in vocational internships, mentor teachers, and industry supervisors. Data were collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, documentation, and focus group discussions, and analyzed using qualitative techniques supported by descriptive analysis. The findings indicate that deaf students require visual, structured, and easily understandable work instructions supported by symbols, color codes, and guidance materials. Major challenges include limited verbal communication, difficulty understanding instructions, and risks of procedural errors. To address these issues, a systematic and communicative visual module-based learning model was developed, incorporating collaborative support from schools and industry. The resulting model integrates planning, implementation, mentoring, and evaluation stages, and has proven feasible and effective in enhancing students’ independence, technical competence, and overall work readiness.

Women’s representation in legislative institutions is an important indicator for assessing the quality of democracy and gender equality in a political system. Indonesia has implemented an affirmative policy requiring a minimum quota of 30% female candidates in legislative elections. However, its implementation at the local level still faces various challenges. This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of tokenism and the forms of women’s political representation in the nomination and election process of members of the Cilegon City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) for the 2024–2029 period. This research employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach using literature review and secondary data analysis. The analysis is based on Hanna Pitkin’s theory of political representation, which categorizes representation into four types: formal, symbolic, descriptive, and substantive. The findings show that only 4 out of 40 seats in the Cilegon City DPRD are occupied by women, representing approximately 10% of the total membership, and this figure has remained unchanged compared to the previous period. This condition indicates a gap between the fulfillment of the female candidate quota at the nomination stage and the low level of electoral success. Furthermore, the political recruitment process within parties also reflects indications of tokenism, where female candidates are often included merely to fulfill administrative requirements without sufficient political support. As a result, women’s representation in the Cilegon DPRD tends to remain at the formal and descriptive levels, while substantive representation remains a challenge in local political practice.

Instagram has evolved into a digital public sphere that enables collective interaction and the expression of social identity, particularly within the context of sports fandom. This study aims to analyze the representation of social identity among supporters of the Indonesian National Football Team in digital interactions found in the comment section of the "Round 4" post on the official Instagram account @timnasindonesia. This research employs a qualitative approach using netnography to examine communication practices, symbols, language, and emotional expressions manifested in online interactions among supporters. The analytical framework is grounded in Social Identity Theory proposed by Tajfel and Turner, which emphasizes three core processes: social categorization, social identification, and social comparison. The findings reveal that Instagram comment sections function as arenas for constructing collective identity among Indonesian national team supporters. Social categorization is reflected in the symbolic boundaries formed between "us" as supporters and "others" as outsiders or opponents. Social identification is expressed through displays of national pride, emotional loyalty, the use of national symbols, and narratives of digital solidarity. Meanwhile, social comparison emerges through evaluations of rival teams, criticism of dissenting voices, and efforts to maintain a positive in-group image. These results indicate that digital fanaticism toward the Indonesian National Team extends beyond sports support, representing a form of digital nationalism and social identity construction in the new media environment. This study contributes to digital communication scholarship by deepening the understanding of how social identity and nationalism are negotiated through symbolic interaction on social media platforms.

This study aims to analyze the practice of interfaith communication in the process of institutionalizing multicultural values ​​in Pekalongan City. The study uses a qualitative approach with ethnographic methods through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation of religious leaders involved in interfaith communication activities. The results show that the practice of interfaith communication occurs through dialogue between religious leaders and open communication interactions in various community forums. From the perspective of George Herbert Mead's symbolic interaction, this communication process demonstrates an exchange of meaning (mind) that builds a shared understanding of tolerance and respect for differences. In addition, interfaith communication also shapes the self-awareness of religious leaders as social agents maintaining harmony (self) while strengthening inclusive social relations in a multicultural society (society). The research findings indicate that interfaith communication functions in two ways: first, as a means of dialogue between religious leaders, and second, as a social mechanism in the institutionalization of multicultural values ​​that supports the realization of religious harmony in Pekalongan City.

Social media has brought significant changes in the way humans interact, construct meaning, and shape social identities. In Indonesia, TikTok is the most widely accessed social media platform, reaching 32% of users. TikTok is not only a medium of entertainment but also a space for the production and reproduction of values, tastes, and social standards. The TikTok algorithm presents personalized content according to user preferences, creating a continuous flow of information that is visually and repetitively consumed. From an anthropological perspective, this article aims to analyze how algorithms influence the formation of digital identity and generate new status symbols in virtual spaces. This research uses a qualitative approach with ethnographic methods and literature studies on TikTok usage practices. The results of the study show that indicators of popularity such as the number of views, followers, likes, and interaction rates become new forms of status symbols that represent users’ social influence in the digital world. From an anthropological perspective, TikTok can be understood as a new cultural space where algorithms act as structural agents that influence social practices, identity production, and symbolic hierarchies within digital society. This study emphasizes that algorithms function not only as technical technologies but also as cultural forces that shape how individuals understand themselves and their social positions within the social media ecosystem.

By examining how visual aesthetics play a crucial role in creating a hyperreal symbolic reality, this study critically investigates the creation and consumption of simulacra in the Instagram marketing of regional Indonesian fashion firms. This study shows that local brands actively create representational worlds that negotiate identity between claims of locality and global aesthetic standards, in addition to selling products, using an interpretative qualitative approach that combines netnography, visual semiotic analysis, and in-depth interviews with brand managers and consumers. According to the research, rigorous visual curation techniques result in what are known as ethical simulacra, in which ideals like sustainability and community support are reduced to beautiful pictures divorced from tangible behaviors. In addition to examining ethical conundrums in netnographic research within ambivalent digital settings, this analysis emphasizes the critical role that Instagram's algorithms play as non-human actors that influence aesthetic canons. By highlighting distinctive dynamics including self-exoticization tactics and modernity paradoxes that influence symbolic consumption patterns, this study theoretically advances Consumer Culture Theory and critical marketing by concentrating on the Indonesian setting. The study's findings suggest a more ethical and thoughtful approach to marketing when confronting the logic of digital hyperreality.

The phenomenon of tedong petarung in Toraja has generated controversy due to its shift from the traditional tedong silaga, which historically formed part of Torajan customary rituals. This practice has evolved into entertainment and competition frequently associated with gambling activities. This study aims to analyze tedong petarung as a form of cultural distortion from the perspectives of customary law and criminal law, as well as to examine the limits of customary culture recognition within the national legal system. This research employs a normative legal method using statutory, conceptual, and sociological approaches. Legal materials were collected through library research consisting of legislation, legal literature, journals, and related documents. The study finds that tedong silaga possesses legitimacy as part of Torajan customary culture containing social, symbolic, and spiritual values. However, modern tedong petarung practices demonstrate a shift toward commercialization and gambling, obscuring the philosophical values of the original tradition. From a criminal law perspective, such practices potentially fulfill the elements of gambling offenses under Indonesian positive law. This study concludes that recognition of customary culture must remain aligned with public order, morality, and national law.

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed patterns of communication and social interaction, particularly through the widespread use of social media platforms. This study examines how language practices on social media shape youth identity formation and social relations through the philosophical perspective of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s concept of language games. Using a qualitative method with a literature review approach, the study analyzes various academic sources to interpret digital linguistic practices among young people. The findings indicate that language on social media functions not merely as a medium for transmitting information but as a social practice governed by specific rules, conventions, and contexts of use. Expressions such as emojis, memes, slang, hashtags, and other symbolic forms operate as elements of language games that enable young users to construct and display their identities, build group solidarity, and negotiate social meanings within digital communities. At the same time, these linguistic practices also reveal tensions between honesty and manipulation, as reflected in phenomena such as false self-presentation, hoaxes, and persuasive language strategies. Therefore, social media language both reflects and actively shapes contemporary social realities, influencing how individuals understand themselves, others, and the dynamics of meaning and power in digital communication.

This study examines moke as a cultural instrument of reconciliation and identity within the community of Nawang Kewa Village, Sikka Regency. The research is grounded in the concern over the shifting meaning of moke due to modernization and globalization, which potentially weakens its cultural and social significance. The objective of this study is to analyze the social functions, symbolic meanings, and the role of moke as a reconciliation mechanism in resolving social conflicts. This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive-interpretative and ethnographic design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation, involving traditional leaders, moke producers, and younger community members. The findings reveal that moke functions in three main dimensions: as a ritual-sacred symbol in traditional ceremonies, as a social-integrative medium that strengthens solidarity and communication, and as a socio-reconciliative instrument in conflict resolution through symbolic peace practices. Furthermore, the study identifies a shift in meaning among younger generations, where moke tends to be perceived more as a consumptive product rather than a cultural symbol. The implications of this research highlight the importance of preserving local cultural values through intergenerational transmission and strengthening customary institutions to maintain social cohesion and cultural identity.

This study conceptually examines the influence of assurer type, assurance standards, and assurance level on the breadth of assurance statements in sustainability reports. Moving beyond prior literature that treats assurance as a binary variable (presence versus absence), this paper highlights disclosure breadth as a critical dimension of assurance quality and substance. Drawing on legitimacy theory and complemented by institutional theory, the study argues that the technical configuration of assurance shapes the quality of organizational legitimacy obtained by firms. Specifically, the type of assurer (public accounting firms versus non-accounting providers), the standards adopted (e.g., ISAE 3000 and/or AA1000AS), and the level of assurance (limited versus reasonable) influence the structure, systematic presentation, and comprehensiveness of assurance statements. Firms that engage reputable providers, apply globally institutionalized standards, and select reasonable assurance are more likely to issue broader and more detailed statements. In contrast, weaker institutional pressures may encourage symbolic assurance practices characterized by minimal disclosure. The study contributes theoretically by extending legitimacy theory to the technical dimensions of assurance and positioning disclosure breadth as a proxy for substantive legitimacy. Practically, it suggests that regulators and companies should emphasize transparency and comprehensiveness in assurance statements to enhance credibility and discourage symbolic sustainability reporting practices.

This study aims to explore employees’ work experiences related to work-life balance and compensation in shaping employee performance at CV. Sepanjang Masa (Masa Kreatif), a social media agency located in Makassar. A qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical field design was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, passive participant observation, and documentation involving 11 informants from both management and creative teams. Data analysis followed processes of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, with trustworthiness ensured through triangulation techniques. The findings reveal that employees’ work-life balance experiences are dynamic and heterogeneous. Work flexibility provides opportunities for personal time management; however, rapid response demands and intensive content production blur the boundaries between work and personal life. A supportive, communicative, and collaborative work environment acts as a protective factor that mitigates work pressure and fosters creativity. Compensation is perceived not only as financial remuneration but also as a symbol of recognition, professional development opportunities, and organizational appreciation, although gaps remain between employee expectations and organizational capacity. Integratively, work-life balance, work environment, and compensation constitute interconnected work experiences influencing employee engagement and performance within the digital creative industry.

This study aims to analyze the cultural meaning of social drinking displayed in South Korean films on Netflix in 2024 through the perspective of Charles Sanders Peirce's semiotic theory. Social drinking, as a cultural phenomenon, is not only a social habit in South Korea but is also often used as a narrative element in films to convey cultural values, social dynamics, and interpersonal relationships. Qualitative research methods with a semiotic analysis approach are used to explore the meaning displayed on the representamen, object, and interpretant sides of social drinking in the films Badland Hunters, Officer Black Belt, Mission: Cross, Wonderland, and My Name is Loh Kiwan. The results of the study show that social drinking represents the culture of togetherness of South Korean society that is woven into various contexts, such as work relationships, family, and friendships. In terms of representamen, visual signs in the form of symbols of drinking culture such as soju, banquet tables, and the movement of pouring drinks to each other create a strong picture of togetherness. From the object side, social drinking becomes a medium to highlight solidarity and release social pressure, especially in a hierarchical and competitive work culture. The resulting interpretation shows a dualism of meaning: on the one hand, it strengthens harmony and the value of togetherness, while on the other hand it displays the dark side of this culture, such as excess consumption and its influence on social pressure. This study provides new insights into the role of South Korean films as a medium for conveying global cultural messages, which are able to influence local cultural interpretations outside their country of origin. In addition, this study is expected to enrich the literature on semiotics in visual communication studies with a focus on drinking culture as an element of representation.

This study aims to analyze the symbolic meaning in the modern poem “Lentera di Dalam Hujan” using a semiotic approach. This approach is employed to reveal the relationship between signs, symbols, and meanings that represent emotional experiences and reflections on life contained in the poem. The method used in this research is a descriptive qualitative method, with the data source being the text of the poem analyzed through the stages of identifying signs, interpreting symbols, and drawing meanings based on semiotic theory. The results indicate that the symbol of the lantern represents hope and inner light, while rain symbolizes sadness, obstacles, and the dynamics of life. Through the relationship between these two symbols, the poem portrays human resilience in maintaining hope amid difficult situations. This study is expected to enrich literary studies, particularly in understanding modern poetry through a semiotic perspective.

This article explores mathematical logic as a fundamental discipline within mathematics that systematically investigates the principles of valid, coherent, and consistent reasoning. Mathematical logic serves as an essential foundation for developing structured thinking and constructing well-grounded, persuasive arguments supported by clear justification. It primarily focuses on the processes of reasoning, argumentation, and formal proof, enabling individuals to distinguish between valid and invalid conclusions. By establishing precise rules and logical structures, mathematical logic provides a rigorous framework for assessing the strength and consistency of arguments. The discipline emphasizes clarity, objectivity, and analytical accuracy in examining propositions and their relationships. In practice, mathematical logic is presented through the use of symbolic representations, formal logical statements, connectives, quantifiers, and truth tables to analyze patterns of reasoning and verify the truth values of statements. These systematic tools allow complex ideas to be evaluated methodically, prevent logical fallacies, and ensure that conclusions are derived from sound and demonstrable reasoning principles.