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This article aims to explain the theological meaning and implications of the word "worship" (προσκυνέω/proskuneō) in Matthew 2:2 in the context of the birth of Jesus Christ, and its relevance to the worship practices of the church today. This study uses a qualitative method with a contextual-historical analysis approach to the biblical text, supported by a review of theological literature related to worship in the Christian tradition. The results of the study indicate that proskuneō does not only refer to an act of reverence, but also contains the meaning of acknowledgment of divine authority, an attitude of humility, and a deep spiritual commitment. In the context of Matthew 2:2, the actions of the Magi represent theological, relational, and transformative worship. These findings confirm that true worship involves acknowledging God's sovereignty, a readiness for sacrifice, and an openness to renewal of life. The practical implication for the church today is the need to enrich the understanding and practice of worship that goes beyond the liturgy, but is manifested in personal intimacy with God, acts of social benevolence, and service that reflects a God-fearing life. This article contributes to a biblical understanding of worship and its application in the context of the believer's spiritual life.

Christian religious education teachers act as agents of social, spiritual, and cultural transformation by integrating Christian values ​​into the lives of communities that are still strongly bound to ancestral customs and beliefs. The transformation of customs through contextual evangelism is both a challenge and an opportunity for Christian religious education (PAK) teachers in carrying out their roles as educators and servants of God in a pluralistic society. This study aims to analyze the strategic steps of PAK teachers in integrating Gospel values ​​with local culture without eliminating the identity of the Christian faith or damaging the noble values ​​of customs. The research method used is a qualitative approach and literature study. The results of the study indicate that PAK teachers need to have three main strategic steps, namely contextual understanding by studying in depth the values, symbols, and practices of local customs, a transformational approach, namely presenting Gospel values ​​through education that respects culture but leads to renewal of life and pedagogical implementation through creative and reflective learning methods that foster students' awareness of faith and social responsibility. With this strategy, Christian Religious Education teachers can become agents of transformation, bridging the gap between Christian faith and local culture, ensuring that evangelism is not confrontational but contextual, dialogical, and builds lives rooted in the love of Christ.

This study aims to analyze the participation of the faithful in the Sacrament of Penance and to identify the pastoral challenges influencing its practice in the Vicariate of West Sulawesi, Archdiocese of Makassar. Theologically, the Sacrament of Penance serves as a means of reconciliation that restores the relationship between humanity, God, and the Church. However, in contemporary contexts, its practice encounters various social, psychological, and pastoral dynamics. This research employed a descriptive quantitative approach involving 267 respondents from four parishes through questionnaire distribution. The data were analyzed using percentage-based statistics to map participation frequency, spiritual motivation, level of understanding, post-sacramental experiences, and perceived obstacles. The findings indicate that although most respondents demonstrate strong theological understanding, sincere spiritual motivation, and positive spiritual experiences after receiving absolution, participation remains largely seasonal and periodic. The principal challenges include psychological factors such as shame and anxiety, structural limitations related to schedule and accessibility, and formative deficiencies such as insufficient ongoing catechesis. The study concludes that the primary issue is not a crisis of faith in the sacrament itself, but a gap between theological awareness and concrete practice, thus calling for more dialogical, communicative, and contextual pastoral renewal.

This research is motivated by the persistent gap between the ideals of Islamic education and their implementation in practice, which has not yet fully reflected humanitarian values. This condition indicates that the educational process still requires renewal in order to achieve the objectives of Islamic education more optimally. The study aims to examine the concept and implementation of humanism in the philosophy of Islamic education. The method employed is library research, involving the review of various scholarly sources, including books and journal articles relevant to the topic. The findings reveal that Islamic education fundamentally possesses a strong humanistic foundation in developing individuals holistically through the integration of intellectual, moral, and spiritual dimensions. However, current educational practices continue to face several challenges, such as teacher-centered learning, the tendency toward pragmatic educational orientations, and the suboptimal integration of moral and spiritual values. Therefore, more adaptive and human-oriented educational reforms are needed to enable Islamic education to respond effectively to contemporary challenges.

This study aims to analyze Catholic marriage in the perspective of Martin Buber's dialogical philosophy, particularly the concept of “I-Thou,” as an integrative and applicable approach to building family life. Catholic marriage is understood as a sacrament that is monogamous and indissoluble, based on the Holy Scriptures, Church teachings, and the Code of Canon Law. However, various contemporary challenges such as communication crises, technological developments, and internal family conflicts demand a renewal of the way of understanding husband-wife relationships in a more dialogical and personal manner. This study uses a qualitative method with a literature approach, descriptive-analytical in nature, through content analysis and hermeneutics of relevant primary and secondary sources. The results of the study show that the integration of the “I-You” concept in Catholic marriage affirms the husband-wife relationship as an encounter between subjects who are equal, dialogical, and reciprocal. This model places marriage as a responsibility for unity, a practice of dialogue for the bonum coniugum, and a communion that reaches its peak in a relationship with God, so that sacramental teachings are concretely realized in the dynamics of family life.

This article examines pneumatological methods and spiritual practices across three Pentecostal seasons: Classical Pentecostalism, Charismatic, and Neo-Charismatic. It highlights the importance of these three movements within the framework of the development of the Pentecostal-Charismatic Church in Indonesia. This research begins with the observation that scholars continue to use the terms Pentecostal, Charismatic, and Neo-Charismatic overlappingly, despite their unique theological and practical emphases. This article presents a critical-comparative literature review on baptism in the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and spiritual gifts, forms of spirituality, interdenominational relations, theological risks, and ecclesiological implications. The research finds that Classical Pentecostalism emphasizes baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues as the primary evidence, Charismatics extend Spirit-led activities toward cross-denominational renewal, while Neo-Charismatics place additional emphasis on power, miracles, healing, spiritual warfare, and success in life. The contribution proposed in this article is a theological typology that can be used for critical reading of Pentecostal-Charismatic practices in Indonesia while still appreciating the richness of the experience of the Spirit. This typology can help churches consider experience, Scripture, Christian character, and ecclesiastical institutional accountability in a more balanced way.

A faith-based marriage strengthening program is essential for building family resilience in urban congregations facing high divorce rates and declining marital quality. This community service activity aimed to revitalize the marital bonds of 22 couples in the Pria Sejati Bandung community and GPPS Agape Bandung congregation through the "Reborn Marriage" program. Using a participatory action research approach, a team of 12 facilitators implemented three main stages: initial coordination to identify needs and plan together with the community; an intensive one-day intervention consisting of teachings on grace, agape love, and divine purpose of marriage, along with testimony sharing, footwashing ritual, and gift giving; and a marriage commitment renewal ceremony. The results showed 100% attendance rate of all registered couples, active participation in every coaching session, and qualitative findings from focus group discussions including renewed spiritual intimacy, mutual forgiveness between spouses, and alignment of marital visions based on divine values. A total of 86% of couples expressed willingness to participate in regular follow-up mentoring, and local leaders emerged among participants who are ready to facilitate small groups after the program. Discussions confirmed that combining biblical teachings on agape love with experiential symbolic rituals can holistically transform marital relationships. This community-based intervention proves replicable in other local communities and churches in urban settings, especially those seeking to strengthen family resilience through integrated pastoral care and participatory action.

This study examines the eschatological. Dimensions present in the encyclical Laudato Si’ and their implications for ecological responsibility within the Christian faith. The increasing global ecological crisis necessitates a serious theological reflection capable of grounding believers’ engagement with environmental issues in their faith convictions. Eschatology, as the doctrinal framework concerning ultimate realities, addresses not merely the end of individual human existence but, more profoundly, the hope for the renewal and transformation of all creation in God. The research employs a qualitative method with a library research approach, drawing primarily on ecclesiastical documents, Sacred Scripture, and relevant theological literature. The findings demonstrate that Laudato Si’ integrates a robust eschatological vision, wherein the promise of “a new heaven and a new earth” constitutes the theological foundation for human responsibility toward creation. Contrary to interpretations that treat eschatological hope as a rationale for passivity or disengagement from the world, Laudato Si’ affirms that such hope actively motivates believers to participate in the care and preservation of the environment as an integral expression of their faith calling. This study concludes that eschatology possesses genuine practical relevance for everyday Christian life, particularly in cultivating ecological awareness. Faith in the ultimate fulfillment of God’s salvific plan, far from diminishing present-day responsibilities, intensifies the moral obligation to treat the earth as a “common home” entrusted to humanity.

Restorative Justice in the Perspective of Modern Criminal Law: Challenges and Regulatory Reforms in Indonesia by a retributive approach that emphasizes punishing the offender as a form of retribution. However, this approach is considered unable to provide comprehensive justice, especially for the victims, and is not effective in resolving the social conflicts caused by criminal acts. Therefore, the concept of restorative justice has emerged as a new paradigm that emphasizes the restoration of victim losses, the responsibility of the perpetrator, and community involvement in the resolution of cases. This research aims to analyze the concept and theoretical foundations of restorative justice, its implementation in the criminal justice system in Indonesia, as well as the challenges and the need for regulatory renewal. The research method used is normative legal research with a legislative and conceptual approach, supported by secondary data as the main source. The research results show that restorative justice has been regulated in various sectoral regulations, such as Police Regulation Number 8 of 2021, Attorney General Regulation Number 15 of 2020, Law Number 11 of 2012, and Supreme Court Regulation Number 1 of 2024. However, the regulations are still partial and not integrated into a comprehensive legal framework, leading to differences in understanding and application among law enforcement officials. Therefore, the establishment of a specific law on restorative justice is necessary to ensure legal certainty, uniform application, and to create a more humane, just, and recovery-oriented criminal justice system.

This study critically examines the transformation of the regulatory framework governing Fixed-Term Employment Agreements (Perjanjian Kerja Waktu Tertentu/PKWT) following the enactment of Indonesia’s Job Creation Law and its implications for workers’ legal protection. The research focuses on the paradigm shift from a worker-protection-oriented model toward labor market flexibility and its impact on employment security. Using a normative juridical approach, this study employs comparative legal analysis between the Manpower Act No. 13 of 2003 and the Job Creation Law No. 6 of 2023, along with its implementing regulation, Government Regulation No. 35 of 2021. The analysis is supported by systematic statutory interpretation, labor law doctrine, and Constitutional Court Decision No. 168/PUU-XXI/2023. The findings reveal a significant regulatory shift characterized by the extension of the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts, the removal of mandatory grace periods for contract renewal, and the substantial narrowing of grounds for automatic conversion of PKWT into permanent employment agreements (PKWTT). Although the Job Creation Law introduces new protective instruments, including end-of-contract compensation and expanded social security coverage, these measures are insufficient to offset the decline in job security and legal certainty for workers. Consequently, workers face an increased risk of prolonged employment precarity. This study underscores the urgency of rebalancing labor market flexibility with the constitutional rights of workers in Indonesia’s future labor law reform. Keywords: Job Creation Law; Fixed-Term Employment Agreement (PKWT); Legal Protection; Labor Market Flexibility; Precarious Work; Constitutional Court Decision.

Digital evolution in the pattern of social interaction of the community also has a significant influence on the dynamics of the national judicial system. The transformation covers all judicial sectors, both religious and public, especially related to the technique of presenting evidence in the litigation process. This research is carried out with normative legal methods and is descriptive analytical. The author utilizes secondary data obtained through library search, which is then processed with qualitative normative analysis techniques. The legitimacy of screenshots as evidence has been explicitly regulated in applicable regulations. Referring to the renewal of the ITE Law in Law Number 1 of 2024, Article 5 paragraph (1) affirms that electronic information and its printed results are recognized as valid evidence before the law. This study shows that normatively, screenshots have a strong legal position in the civil system. However, in the reality of the trial, this instrument is positioned as a free evidence (vrij bewijs), which means that the weight of the evidence is not absolute and depends on the judge's evaluation and conviction.

The internationalisation of SMEs in the era of the global economy is still faced with low strategic readiness, limited innovation capacity, and sub-optimal digital transformation. This study aims to test a model of SME internationalisation strategy based on innovation and digital transformation. The study employs a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design involving 200 owners or key managers of SMEs in East Java, selected through purposive sampling. Data were analysed using SEM-PLS through measurement model evaluation, structural model evaluation, and bootstrapping tests. The results indicate that innovation has a positive effect on digital transformation and internationalisation strategy, whilst digital transformation has a positive effect on internationalisation strategy. The indirect effect of innovation on internationalisation strategy via digital transformation is also significant, indicating partial mediation. These findings confirm that the internationalisation of SMEs becomes more effective when innovation and digital transformation are coherently integrated into business models and external market orientation. Implicitly, strengthening the global competitiveness of SMEs requires simultaneous intervention in business model renewal, digital capabilities, and policy ecosystem support.

Increasingly digitalised and globally integrated market competition demands that micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) no longer merely excel in local markets, but are also capable of building sustainable competitiveness in broader markets. Recent literature indicates that innovation, digital capabilities, and international networks are increasingly viewed as strategic determinants of MSME competitiveness, although the relationships between these variables are often examined in isolation and are not always consistent. This study aims to analyse the influence of innovation, digital capabilities, and international networks on the global competitiveness of MSMEs. The research employs an explanatory quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. The sample consists of 200 owners or principal managers of SMEs in East Java, selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analysed using Structural Equation Modelling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results of the analysis indicate that innovation, digital capabilities, and international networks have a positive and significant influence on the global competitiveness of SMEs. The path coefficient values indicate that digital capabilities are the strongest predictor, followed by international networks and innovation. These findings confirm that strengthening the global competitiveness of MSMEs requires an integrated strategy that links value renewal, digital transformation, and the sustainable development of external networks.

This study analyzes the implementation of Good Governance in enhancing consular services at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Tawau, using a qualitative approach with a case study paradigm. The findings reveal several key points: First, transparency in consular services is achieved through openness about procedures, fees, and service time standards via official platforms like websites, social media, and notice boards. This transparency reduces information asymmetry, prevents maladministration, and builds trust. Second, service accountability is reflected in the timely execution of passport renewals, Emergency Travel Documents, and document legalization, following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Accountability is further demonstrated through performance reports, complaint channels, and service evaluations. Third, public participation is fostered through two-way communication, complaint mechanisms, and collaboration with Indonesian citizen and migrant worker communities. The mobile consular service program also enhances accessibility. Finally, consular services are based on clear legal frameworks, ensuring the legitimacy of services and protection for Indonesian citizens and migrant workers. Overall, the study concludes that the implementation of Good Governance principles at the Consulate General of Indonesia in Tawau significantly improves the quality of consular services.

This research aims to analyze the urgency of implementing Statement of Use, Declaration of Use, and Specimen of Use instruments as a means of supervising trademark use obligations in Indonesia. Currently, Law Number 20 of 2016 concerning Trademarks and Geographical Indications (UU MIG) only requires a written statement of use without being accompanied by concrete evidence at the time of renewal applications. This creates a loophole for trademark registrations without the intent to use (non-use), which can hinder bona fide applicants.  This study employs a normative legal research method with a comparative law approach between the UU MIG and the Lanham Act (U.S. Trademark Act of 1946). The Lanham Act mandates proof of actual trademark use through a Statement of Use for intent-to-use applications, as well as a Declaration of Use for applications based on use-in-commerce, which must be submitted with a Specimen of Use as actual evidence of the trademark's use in trade.  The results indicate that the adoption of these instruments into the Indonesian legal system is urgent to strengthen the supervisory function of the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP). This implementation would enable the DGIP to conduct administrative (ex-officio) trademark cancellations for non-use, thereby purging the trademark database of passive marks without having to rely on third-party lawsuits. This legal reform is in line with the legal development theory to encourage business actors to actively utilize the economic functions of trademarks.

This article explores the meaning of human life through the lens of value, choice, and ultimate purpose. Drawing from the analogy of nature, the study argues that human existence is likewise structured around meaning rather than randomness. Human beings inevitably encounter diverse and sometimes conflicting values, requiring discernment and responsible decision-making. Not all values carry equal weight; their significance depends on their proximity to the ultimate goal of human life understood in its totality. The paper identifies three fundamental attitudes toward life: a pessimistic stance that perceives life as failure, a hedonistic stance that seeks satisfaction and pleasure, and a constructive stance that embraces life as a meaningful vocation. Through a reflective-ethical approach, the discussion highlights the importance of mission, prioritization, empathetic communication, synergy, and continual self-renewal. Ultimately, the quality of human existence is determined by the values one chooses to uphold and the orientation of life toward a higher, integrative purpose.

Law Number 11 of 2006 on the Governance of Aceh embodies the principle of lex specialis due to its territorial scope, while Law Number 4 of 2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining also contains a lex specialis character as it specifically regulates the mining sector. This situation raises a legal question regarding how the principles of lex specialis derogat legi generali, lex superior derogat legi inferiori, and lex posterior derogat legi priori should be interpreted and applied by the Government within the framework of Aceh as a Special Autonomous Region. This study aims to conduct an in-depth legal analysis using a progressive law approach to examine whether the principles of lex posterior or lex superior may override the principle of lex specialis as applied in Aceh’s special autonomy regime. The research employs normative legal methods with qualitative analysis. The findings indicate that the principle of lex specialis derogat legi generali as stipulated in the Law on the Governance of Aceh must take precedence due to its specific territorial applicability and special autonomous status. In resolving such normative conflicts, a clear legal framework is required, accompanied by the renewal of legal theories and principles to ensure legal certainty, prevent regulatory overlap, and promote harmony among statutory regulations.

This study examines the role of agents in the renewal process of cargo ship construction safety certificates at the Merak Banten Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), using a case study of PT. Vinici Samudera Agencies, Merak Branch. The study aimed to determine the role of agency companies in assisting shipowners in fulfilling certification obligations and to examine certificate renewal procedures in accordance with legal provisions and shipping safety standards. The research methods employed included a field approach through direct observation, interviews, and a literature review of relevant literature, regulations, and official documents. Based on the research findings, PT. Vinici Samudera Agencies plays a significant role in processing shipping administrative documents, coordinating with the KSOP, ensuring compliance with applicable legal provisions, and providing technical guidance to ensure ships remain seaworthy. The agency's role has been proven to increase time efficiency, reduce the risk of delays, and provide legal certainty in the certificate renewal process. Therefore, the presence of ship agents is a strategic factor in supporting the smooth operation of cargo ships at the Port of Merak.

The challenges of modernity, including the secularization of knowledge, the fragmentation of values, and the increasingly pragmatic and utilitarian orientation of education, require a fundamental renewal of Islamic educational philosophy. In practice, Islamic education is often confined to normative and textualistic approaches that emphasize the transmission of doctrinal knowledge, which limits its responsiveness to social dynamics, scientific developments, and contemporary needs. This condition weakens the critical capacity of Islamic education in shaping individuals who are faithful, rational, and morally integrated. Accordingly, this study aims to examine Islamic educational philosophy from the perspective of critical thought reconstruction as an effort to address the challenges of modernity without shifting the fundamental principles of faith that serve as its normative foundation. This study employs a theoretical research approach through library research, using qualitative analysis of academic books, peer-reviewed journal articles, and relevant scholarly works on Islamic educational philosophy and critical thought. The analysis focuses on the ontological, epistemological, and axiological dimensions of Islamic education within the framework of critical reconstruction. The findings indicate that the reconstruction of Islamic educational philosophy is both an epistemological and practical necessity in responding to modern challenges. This reconstruction is not directed toward the domain of ʿaqīdah, which is qaṭʿī and normative in nature, but rather toward renewing modes of thinking, operational value systems, and educational practices. Consequently, Islamic education should function not merely at a normative level but as an effective instrument for individual and social transformation.

The process of extending the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) certificate for the Pegasus 3 Barge through SIMKAPEL at the Banten Class I KSOP Office at PT. Pasmaritim Samudera Nusantara, Cilegon Branch. The IMDG Code is intended to protect ship crews and also warn them that their vessels are carrying dangerous goods. An expired International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) certificate is a crucial step in maintaining a ship's seaworthiness, particularly for vessels transporting dangerous goods. Processing the renewal of an International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) certificate for a ship is done through the Shipping and Maritime Information System (SIMKAPEL) The Director General of Sea Transportation's system facilitates digital ship certificate renewal services. SIMKAPEL simplifies renewals and saves time and effort by requiring in-person visits to the Banten KSOP office. Service users can access application status anytime and anywhere. The method used in this research was field research namely in the form of direct observation and taking pictures based on the activities of processing ship certificate extensions through SIMKAPEL as well as library research, namely through books in the POLTEK AMI Medan library as well as online books, websites and journals related to the research object.