Publication Search

The issue of gender equality in Qur'anic interpretation remains a profound problem, particularly when biased lexical interpretations obscure the liberating theological principles of the text. This article aims to analyze the concept of "zauj" in the Qur'an and its relevance as a foundation for gender equality. This research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing Toshihiko Izutsu's semantic analysis method and contemporary Qur'anic hermeneutics. The findings reveal that "zauj" is a cosmological principle of paired creation, implying equality, compatibility, and reciprocity. The reduction of the meaning of "zauj" to merely "wife" in many traditional interpretations constitutes a semantic distortion that perpetuates gender inequality. The gender-based relational disparities that occur are more due to patriarchal interpretive structures than the universal message of the Qur'an itself. The concept of "zauj" instead offers a paradigm of equal and complementary relations, which can form the basis for reconstructing gender-just family ethics in Islam. Therefore, the deconstruction of interpretive hegemony and the holistic reconstruction of the meaning of "zauj" are essential prerequisites for realizing egalitarian and just gender relations in Islam.

The implementation of the core tax administration sistem (Core Tax Administration Sistem or Coretax) in early 2025, which was expected to modernise tax services, instead sparked a wave of public criticism due to various fatal technical obstacles. The dysfunction of this sistem not only hampered administration but also gave rise to discourse on distrust of state budget management. This study aims to analyse in depth how the failure to implement Coretax has eroded public trust and damaged the fiscal social contract between taxpayers and the state. The research method uses a qualitative approach with a Critical Discourse Analysis perspective based on Norman Fairclough's model. Data was collected through netnography from public comments and interactions on social media, then analysed through three dimensions: text (micro), discourse practice (meso), and social practice (macro). The findings show that public discourse is not merely technical complaints, but a form of symbolic resistance. At the micro level, sistem dysfunction is interpreted as evidence of incompetence and alleged budget irregularities. At the meso level, the public mobilises collective memory related to past government project failures to validate their distrust. At the macro level, this signifies a violation of the principle of reciprocity, whereby the state is perceived as demanding tax compliance without providing adequate services, thereby triggering a crisis of legitimacy. The implications of this study emphasise that digital transformation of the public sector requires transparency and accountability; failure to respond to this crisis has the potential to significantly reduce voluntary tax compliance.

This study examines the practice of reciprocity within the persatuan barang (goods-sharing) group during the implementation of the rewang tradition in Desa Banglas, Kecamatan Tebing Tinggi, Kabupaten Kepulauan Meranti. The main focus of the research is to identify the various forms of exchange that occur, whether in the form of money, goods, or labor. A narrative qualitative approach was used, with data collected through in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, archival review, and documentation of bookkeeping records. The subjects of this research are members of the persatuan barang group who actively participate in social and cultural events in the village. The findings reveal three types of reciprocity: generalized, balanced, and negative. Generalized reciprocity is evident in voluntary contributions without expecting immediate return, often practiced among close kin or neighbors. Balanced reciprocity is demonstrated through exchanges of equal value with a certain expectation of timely return, particularly during communal events like weddings or funerals. Negative reciprocity, although rare, involves unequal exchanges that may lead to social tensions or perceptions of unfairness. These findings indicate that the persatuan barang group functions not only as an informal economic mechanism but also as a cultural institution that fosters mutual assistance, reinforces social cohesion, and preserves traditional values. The exchange systems operate within an implicit moral economy that prioritizes collective welfare over individual gain. Additionally, the tradition of rewang and the organizational role of persatuan barang highlight the resilience and adaptability of indigenous practices in supporting rural livelihoods amid changing socioeconomic conditions. The study suggests that such local systems of reciprocity play a vital role in sustaining social capital, strengthening community identity, and ensuring social security in the absence of formal welfare structures. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of these practices on community resilience and rural development.  

This study examines the implementation of the Sigalovada Sutta as a form of ancestral devotion within the Nyadran Dauwang tradition practiced by the Buddhist community in Depok Hamlet, Java. Grounded in the understanding that religion and culture are deeply intertwined, the research aims to explore how Buddhist doctrinal values are actualized through local communal rituals and how these practices contribute to social cohesion, environmental stewardship, and cultural continuity. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with religious leaders, elders, and community members, and analysis of ritual documentation. Triangulation of methods and sources was applied to enhance the credibility and depth of interpretation. The findings reveal that Nyadran Dauwang consists of four interrelated components: communal cleaning of irrigation canals (Susuk Wangang), ritual journeys accompanied by offerings and food sharing, interfaith prayer gatherings, and Wayang Kulit performances. These practices embody key Buddhist values such as spiritual friendship, loving-kindness, compassion, ethical reciprocity, and collective merit-making, as articulated in the Sigalovada Sutta. The tradition also reinforces respect for ancestors, strengthens intergenerational bonds, promotes ecological awareness, and fosters harmony in a pluralistic religious setting. Rather than functioning as a rigid doctrinal text, the Sigalovada Sutta operates as a living ethical framework that guides communal life through culturally resonant forms. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that Nyadran Dauwang represents a contextualized enactment of Buddhist ethics that integrates religious teachings with local cultural heritage. This integration offers an important model for Buddhist religious education, cultural preservation, and community-based approaches to social and environmental sustainability.

This study departs from the mubadalah approach in interpreting hadiths related to gender relations from the perspective of Faqihuddin Abdul Qadir's thought. Through a literature review and descriptive-analytical analysis method, this research examines how mubadalah, as a hermeneutic method, can offer a fair, contextual, and equitable reading of religious texts. In Faqihuddin's view, mubadalah is based on the principles of reciprocity and mutual relations between men and women, rejecting both gender hegemony and subordination. This approach serves as a critical response to the patriarchal constructions in Islamic interpretations that have marginalized women. The findings indicate that mubadalah can bridge the gap between conservative textual approaches and radical liberal readings, and is relevant for realizing justice and gender equality in the lives of Muslims

This study examines the relationship between attachment styles and parasocial interaction among K-pop fans, where fans may develop an emotional bond with their idols despite the lack of real reciprocity. Attachment styles influence the level of attachment, with individuals with an anxious attachment style tending to be more emotionally involved and dependent on their idols, while those with an avoidant attachment style maintain more emotional distance. The role of social media in reinforcing the illusion of closeness is also a key focus of this study. The research aims to identify the relationship between attachment styles and parasocial interaction using a quantitative method with a correlation analysis approach. The findings indicate that fans with an anxious attachment style tend to have a more intense emotional bond, actively participate in fandom activities, and are more prone to anxiety when they lack updates about their idols. In contrast, those with an avoidant attachment style still consume idol-related content but with lower emotional involvement. The theoretical implication of this study supports the theories of attachment styles and parasocial interaction, explaining how emotional relationships form between fans and idols. Practically, this study can be used to develop digital literacy programs for K-pop fans to help them manage parasocial relationships in a healthier way, especially for individuals who are more vulnerable to excessive emotional attachment.