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Haul Guru Sekumpul is one of the biggest religious traditions in Indonesia that brings together millions of participants from various regions to commemorate KH. Muhammad Zaini Abdul Ghani, better known as Guru Sekumpul. This activity not only serves as a religious commemoration, but also reflects the value of togetherness, solidarity, and deep spirituality. This research aims to reinforce the argument that in fact the feedback process between group involvement and emotional reactions strengthens solidarity, both in mechanical and organic contexts, thus creating deeper social bonds. Thus, mechanical and organic solidarity are not separate but interrelated. Through a qualitative approach, this research analyzes how mechanical and organic solidarity interact with each other in the context of this activity. The results show that mechanical solidarity, characterized by shared values and beliefs, serves as the foundation for a more complex organic solidarity, where individuals with different roles depend on each other. The findings also serve as a critique of Émile Durkheim's theory of solidarity. In addition, the use of social media and traditional media plays an important role in disseminating information and organizing activities, creating a sense of community among congregants. This is also a new additional factor that is in line with the changing times but was previously undeveloped during Émile Durkheim's time. Thus, Haul Guru Sekumpul is not only a religious event, but also a symbol of collective power that binds people in a common goal, creating a harmonious and respectful community.

This study aims to analyze the religious and spiritual symbols represented in the film Titip Surat untuk Tuhan through Roland Barthes’ semiotic approach, focusing on the three levels of meaning: denotation, connotation, and myth. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method using semiotic analysis based on document studies of selected scenes, dialogues, and visual elements portraying religious values, prayer, sacrifice, patience, hope, gratitude, and trust in God. The findings reveal that symbols such as the mosque, mukena, sarong, prayer mat, the Qur’an, prayer activities, the post office as a medium for sending letters to God, and the calligraphy of “Allah” and “Prophet Muhammad” on the walls function not only as literal signs but also convey profound religious and spiritual connotations. These symbols further develop into myths that reinforce religious norms and cultural beliefs accepted as natural within society. The film successfully constructs a subtle yet powerful representation of faith by portraying a Muslim family that upholds devotion, moral values, patience, compassion, and an enduring relationship with God. Overall, the film demonstrates how religious symbols effectively communicate spiritual messages while strengthening viewers’ understanding of Islamic values through visual and narrative storytelling.

The study critically examines the Gospel of John as a theological text integrating the incarnate Logos and sacramental symbolism. Using a qualitative, library-based approach with historical-critical and hermeneutical analysis, it shows that John’s Gospel not only narrates Jesus’ life but constructs a symbolic, existential, and transformative theological reflection. The Logos shifts from a metaphysical principle to a personal reality in history through the incarnation, enabling a concrete encounter between God and humanity. Within this framework, symbols such as water and bread function as media of revelation guiding individuals toward a living, relational faith experience. Furthermore, sacramental symbolism in the Gospel of John is ontologically grounded in the incarnation of the Logos. Faith is thus understood not merely as intellectual assent but as participation in divine life that transforms human existence. The integration of Christological and sacramental dimensions indicates that faith is holistic, encompassing spiritual, material, and relational aspects. Thus, the Gospel of John presents a theological vision of faith as a concrete and dynamic existential encounter, relevant for contemporary theological reflection.

This study discusses the leadership values reflected in the folklore of Panglima Wangkang in Marabahan as a representation of the local wisdom of the Banjar-Bakumpai community. Panglima Wangkang is recognized as a prominent figure who played a significant role in resisting Dutch colonialism in the Barito region. This research aims to examine Panglima Wangkang not only as a war hero but also as a symbol of cultural unity, religious values, and traditional leadership that still lives in the collective memory of society today. The study employs a qualitative historical method with a postcolonial approach. The data were collected through library research involving historical archives, scientific journals, books, and documented folklore. The research stages included heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The findings reveal that Panglima Wangkang’s leadership reflects the values of courage, strategic intelligence, loyalty, religiosity, and social concern. His well-known military strategy, referred to as the “Trojan Horse” technique, demonstrates his tactical ability in confronting colonial forces. In addition, religious values are reflected in his message to always maintain ablution and in the belief regarding martyrdom. The story of the golden bullet also symbolizes the community’s respect for the struggle and honor of local heroes. Panglima Wangkang’s cross-ethnic identity as both Banjar and Bakumpai further strengthened community unity in facing colonialism. This study shows that folklore functions not only as a cultural heritage but also as a medium for transmitting leadership values and local identity that remain relevant in the social life of the Marabahan community today.

The study examines the symbolic meaning of the “Bread of Life” in John 6 through an exegetical-theological approach, using intertextual and narrative-semiotic perspectives. It uncovers the dynamics of Johannine Christological revelation, which moves from miracle as sign, through theological discourse, and culminates in the sacramental understanding of the Eucharist. The Gospel of John is read as a text that employs symbolism and patterns of misunderstanding to lead readers from a literal reading toward deeper faith in Jesus as the source of true life. In this framework, the “Bread of Life” functions not merely as metaphor but as a revelatory symbol integrating Christological, soteriological, and ecclesiological dimensions. Findings show that this symbol is rooted in Old Testament motifs such as manna, Exodus, and wisdom, reinterpreted Christologically in Jesus. The feeding miracle points beyond physical sustenance to divine revelation, culminating in the statement “I am the Bread of Life.” John 6:51b–58 intensifies this sacramental meaning, forming the basis for Eucharistic theology, where participation in Christ’s body and blood signifies existential communion with God. The study concludes that John integrates Christology and sacramental theology, portraying faith as movement from sign to reality, recognition to participation, and revelation to communion with Christ.

Traditional wedding rituals constitute intangible cultural heritage rich in symbolic meaning, serving to strengthen social solidarity and transmit cultural values. The massive penetration of modernization and digitalization has created new pressures for the Bugis-Makassar community in maintaining this heritage. This study analyzes the transformation of Bugis-Makassar traditional wedding rituals in South Sulawesi within the digital era context, focusing on how the community negotiates their cultural identity between the forces of tradition and modernity. Using a critical ethnographic approach with a multiple case study design grounded in Bhabha's concept of the third space, the study involved 42 informants from three groups: young couples (digital generation, aged 22–35), parents/family (middle generation, 40–60), and customary elders (to panrita lopi/bissu, 65+) in Makassar City, Bone Regency, and Wajo Regency. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation in 12 wedding ceremonies, and social media content analysis. Results reveal three main transformation patterns: (1) digital spectacularization—rituals adapted for social media consumption; (2) reflective selectivity—young couples actively choosing which traditional elements to retain; and (3) procedural hybridization—the integration of customary procedures with contemporary elements. These transformations are colored by intergenerational contestation that generally ends in compromise between demands for customary completeness and the aesthetic preferences of the younger generation. The study concludes that this transformation is not merely a loss of tradition, but a creative form of identity negotiation in which the Bugis-Makassar community actively reconstructs the meaning of siri' (self-esteem/dignity) and pesse (solidarity) within the changed socio-cultural landscape. The findings imply the need for cultural preservation policies that understand change as inherent to living culture, and open avenues for longitudinal studies on the intergenerational transmission of cultural values.

D Dowry (mahar) is an obligation of a groom to his bride in Islamic marriage, symbolizing respect and responsibility. In the Buton community, mahar also develops as a customary tradition known as boka, which carries both symbolic and socio-cultural meanings. This study aims to analyze the concept of mahar according to the Shafi’i school of law and its implementation in Taduasa Village, South Buton Regency. This research uses a qualitative method with data collection techniques including interviews, documentation, and literature review. The findings show that mahar is viewed as a symbol of respect for women and is determined based on lineage and social status. According to the Shafi’i school, such practices are permissible as long as they are based on mutual agreement and do not burden the groom. However, excessively high dowry amounts in some cases may hinder marriage. This study concludes that the mahar tradition in Taduasa Village remains consistent with Shafi’i principles but should be adjusted to the Islamic values of ease and public welfare.

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 research is motivated by the low critical thinking skills of third-grade students in learning Pancasila symbols and the limited use of interesting, interactive learning media in the classroom. The purpose of this study is to develop the Magic Letter Spinwheel learning media, determine its feasibility, and examine the improvement of students’ critical thinking skills after using the media. This study employed a Research and Development (R&D) method with the ADDIE development model, consisting of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation stages. The research subjects were third-grade students of SDN Sumber 02, Blitar Regency. Data were collected through observation, interviews, validation questionnaires from media and material experts, as well as pretests and posttests. The data were analyzed descriptively using qualitative and quantitative approaches, including feasibility percentages and the N-Gain test. The development results show that the Magic Letter Spinwheel is an interactive learning medium in the form of a spinning wheel containing Pancasila symbols, questions, and learning activities that encourage students to think critically. This medium is designed with an attractive display and is supported by light features and an automatic rotation button to increase students’ learning interest. Based on expert validation, the media is declared feasible for classroom use. The implementation of the Magic Letter Spinwheel can improve students’ critical thinking skills through active, enjoyable, and student-centered learning activities. Therefore, this media is suitable for use in Pancasila Education learning to support the development of critical thinking skills among third-grade elementary school students.

The Celeng Behel tradition is a form of local wisdom practiced by the people of Soropadan Village, Pringsurat District, Temanggung Regency, and is carried out through the Sadranan Kali ritual. This study aims to explain the form and function of the Celeng Behel tradition in the community’s daily life. The research uses a qualitative descriptive method with folklore and semiotic approaches. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, then analyzed to understand the cultural meanings behind the tradition. The results show that the Celeng Behel tradition has two main forms. First, it exists as oral folklore in the form of stories passed down from generation to generation. Second, it appears as a ritual practice, namely Sadranan Kali, which is held every year on the 10th of Sapar at Bendung Pondoh. The ritual includes communal prayers, the preparation of offerings, and the release of ducks into the river. These activities symbolize the community’s gratitude for the water that supports their farming and daily needs. The tradition also has important functions. It serves as a way for the community to express their hopes and concerns about nature, especially related to water and agriculture. It also strengthens social rules and cultural values that have been passed down over time. From a semiotic point of view, the symbols used in the ritual have both direct meanings and deeper cultural meanings that form shared beliefs in the community. In conclusion, the Celeng Behel tradition is not only a cultural activity, but also an important way to maintain harmony between humans, nature, and spiritual values in the life of the Soropadan community.

The rapid development of digital technology has significantly transformed the ways in which faith is experienced, particularly in the lives of adolescents. From the perspectives of digital religion and mediatization of religion, digital space is no longer merely a medium, but has become a cultural arena that actively shapes religious practices and meanings. The study aims to analyze these dynamics, especially within the context of Generation Alpha, by examining the opportunities and challenges that emerge in the lived experience of faith in the digital age. The findings indicate that digital environments offer creative, participatory, and contextual opportunities for evangelization, enabling young people to engage actively in constructing their religious experiences. However, this dynamic is inherently ambivalent, as it also risks reducing the meaning of faith to symbolic, instant, and less sacramentally grounded experiences, detached from the communal life of the Church. Furthermore, the formation of religious identity in digital spaces tends to be fluid and performative, potentially leading to superficial relationships and fragmented identities. Therefore, technologically mediated religious experience should be understood as a bridge, rather than a substitute, for authentic faith encounters. The Church is thus called to adopt adaptive and reflective pastoral approaches, positioning media as a means of fostering communio without obscuring the essence of faith. An integrative approach through the synergy of Church, family, and educational institutions is essential to balance digital literacy and spiritual depth, ensuring that adolescent faith continues to grow reflectively and remains rooted in real-life experience.

This study investigates the decoupling phenomenon between ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) sustainability reporting and communal Tri Hita Karana (THK) sustainability practices in a Rural Bank in Bali. Through Ethnographic Content Analysis (ECA) of official documents from BPR Luhur Damai covering 2023–2025, this study identifies that the Sustainability Report (SR), prepared strictly according to Financial Services Authority Regulation (POJK) 51/2017, does not incorporate substantial THK practices, namely banten (ceremonial offerings) Rp131.6 million, dana punia (religious donations) Rp8.5 million, and monthly banjar (communal community unit) contributions, producing a Hindu religious expenditure to formal Social and Environmental Responsibility (SER) ratio of 10:1. Drawing on the Institutional Logics perspective, this study identifies four decoupling mechanisms: (1) cognitive, namely THK as taken-for-granted, not perceived as “sustainability”; (2) administrative, namely departmental silos between Compliance and General Affairs; (3) template, namely POJK 51/2017 provides no space for local wisdom; and (4) capacity, namely limited Human Resources (HR) and institutional capacity. These findings lead to the concept of “invisible sustainability,” that is, real sustainability contributions that are invisible to conventional reporting frameworks, and “cultural accounting gap,” that is, the absence of accounting categories for local cultural-religious contributions. The theoretical contribution is demonstrating that decoupling in Global South contexts is not merely symbolic compliance but results from structural misalignment between transnational and communal logics that renders local sustainability contributions institutionally invisible.

Sign language recognition is one of the areas of image recognition and image processing technology that is developing rapidly in human-computer interaction. This technology really helps the deaf and speech impaired in communicating with non-disabled people. This research aims to examine the optimization of an object tracking system in sign language using the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and Kalman Filter by including the Region of Interest (ROI). The proposed system consists of three main components, namely hand detection, object extraction, and classification. Hand detection is done using the Kalman Filter to track hand movements accurately. Next, Region of Interest (ROI) features, such as shape, direction and movement features, are extracted from the detected part of the hand. These features are fed into a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) classifier, which can recognize sign language based on the extracted features. With the combination of GMM and Kalman Filter in this research, it can increase accuracy in object tracking, reduce interference from the background, and ensure the tracking focus remains on important objects. The dataset used is in the form os SIBI alphabet symbols, namely A-Z with the amount of data for each class, namely 620 images. Based on the research result, model testing using GMM, Kalman Filter and ROI produces higher accuracy of 99%, while model testing using GMM and ROI produces accuracy of 90%.

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) has fundamentally transformed digital marketing communication, while emerging as a strategic instrument in public relations practices of global corporations. This study aims to examine the construction of meaning around artificial intelligence as a financial solution within the cultural context of Lebaran, while analyzing the PR communication strategy employed by Google Indonesia in building persuasive messages for its public on digital platforms. The research object is a video advertisement posted on the official Instagram account @googleindonesia on March 7, 2025, promoting the Gemini Canvas feature for managing Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR) budgets. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach with an interpretive paradigm, integrating two complementary analytical perspectives: first, Roland Barthes three-level semiotic analysis — denotation, connotation, and myth — to deconstruct meaning constructed through visual, verbal, and auditory signs in the advertisement; second, the PR communication strategy framework from Smith (2021) to identify how the choices of mascot, emotional message, and cultural appeal represent strategically planned communication decisions by Google Indonesia. The findings reveal that Google Indonesia constructs Gemini Canvas as an empathetic and culturally aware entity through three key elements: anthropomorphic symbolism in the form of a bespectacled cat functioning as brand mascot, local cultural markers of ketupat and THR, and Arabic-nuanced music that aurally reinforces the Lebaran atmosphere — all representing deliberate strategic PR decisions. From Smith’s (2021) perspective, the advertisement applies a proactive communication strategy combining negative emotional appeal — financial anxiety ahead of THR — immediately followed by positive emotional appeal as a concrete solution through Gemini Canvas, representing a structured form of public perception shaping. At the myth level, the advertisement normalizes reliance on digital platforms through systematic cultural localization. This study contributes to understanding AI-based digital marketing communication strategies and the shaping of public perception on AI technology by global corporations in the Indonesian market.  

Culture and traditions in Southwest Maluku contain a wealth of local wisdom that serves as a social glue, one of which is reflected in the use of the greeting Kalwedo. This greeting is not just a mere pleasantry, but has a very strong meaning in presenting the values ​​of brotherhood and local wisdom of the people of Southwest Maluku. This study shows several things, including, this study aims to interpret the antagonistic meaning of the greeting Kalwedo as a symbol of brotherhood by using the hermeneutic approach of Hans-Georg Gadamer. The research method used is qualitative descriptive-analysis. Data analysis was carried out through three hermeneutic movements, namely phenomenology, reconstruction, and dialogue. The results of the study show that Kalwedo contains the meaning of "we are together" or "we are one" which means emphasizing the unity of existence between the greeter and the greeted. Based on Gadamer's perspective, this meaning is formed from the fusion of horizons, namely between the past and the present, where the tradition will remain alive and meaningful in the contemporary context. The Kalwedo greeting serves as a medium for erasing barriers of difference, strengthening bonds of brotherhood, and building awareness of an inclusive collective identity. In conclusion, Kalwedo is a manifestation of wirkungsgeschichte (influential history) that continuously shapes and maintains social harmony amidst the dynamics of community life in Southwest Maluku.

This study analyzes the formation of a digital brand community through Persib Bandung fan interactions on social media. The research aims to examine how content distribution, message functions, and engagement patterns contribute to the construction of collective identity and digital rituals among supporters. Using a qualitative-interpretative content analysis supported by quantitative descriptive data, this study analyzes 418 posts published on Persib Bandung's official Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X/Twitter, and YouTube accounts from November 27 to December 10, 2025. The findings reveal that Persib Bandung generated 29,543,663 total interactions, with Instagram and TikTok emerging as the most affective platforms for engagement. Non-match content (41.4%) and emotional or motivational messages (40.2%) dominate communication. Despite high public engagement, no evidence of two-way talkback from the official account was found, indicating a predominantly one-way communication model. The study concludes that Bobotoh function as a digital brand community characterized by collective identity, digital rituals, loyalty, symbolic ownership, and co-creation of brand meaning through measurable public interactions. This research contributes to the understanding of sports communication and digital brand communities in emerging football markets.

This study examines the interpretation of the Qur’anic verse mentioning the lion in QS. Al-Muddathir [74]: 51 through the approach of tafsir ilmi (scientific exegesis). The aim of this research is to analyze the theological meaning of the term qaswarah, explore the interpretations of classical and contemporary exegetes, and relate them to the perspective of animal science as well as the underlying wisdom. This study employs a qualitative method with a library research approach, using primary sources from Qur’anic verses and classical tafsir works, and secondary sources from books, journal articles, and relevant scientific literature. The results show that the term qaswarah in QS. Al-Muddathir [74]: 51 has various interpretations, such as lion, hunter, or something frightening. However, most exegetes tend to interpret it as a lion due to its relevance to the context of the parable in the verse. The parable illustrates people who turn away from the truth like wild donkeys fleeing in fear from a predator. From the perspective of tafsir ilmi, this depiction aligns with scientific facts that identify the lion as an apex predator capable of triggering a fight-or-flight response in prey animals. Furthermore, the mention of the lion in the Qur’an is not merely descriptive but also contains theological, ecological, moral, and psychological values. The lion serves as a symbol to describe irrational human behavior in rejecting the truth. Thus, tafsir ilmi demonstrates a harmonious relationship between revelation and science, where natural phenomena are used as a medium to convey profound moral and spiritual messages.

This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of flexing on social media as a representation of social status in digital society through the perspectives of Jean Baudrillard’s simulacra theory and Erving Goffman’s self-presentation theory. The research employs a qualitative method using content analysis of social media posts, particularly on Instagram and TikTok, that display flexing practices. The research data consist of photos and videos containing symbols of luxury, such as branded goods, luxury vehicles, exclusive locations, and consumptive lifestyles. The findings reveal that flexing is not merely an act of showing off, but also a conscious self-representation strategy used to construct a particular social image. The luxury symbols displayed often do not fully reflect reality, but rather represent identity constructions that have been selectively curated and manipulated according to the desired image. From the perspective of simulacra, these representations have replaced reality itself, causing the boundary between reality and representation to become increasingly blurred. Furthermore, the phenomenon of flexing is closely related to consumer culture, the need for social recognition, and personal branding strategies in the digital era. Exposure to flexing content also encourages social comparison, which may lead to psychological pressure among audiences. Therefore, flexing can be understood as a multidimensional phenomenon reflecting changes in how individuals construct identity, perceive reality, and gain social legitimacy within digital society.

Rapid urban growth is often linked to the narrative of sustainable development, yet the reality is that fundamental issues remain in the management of urban waste. This paper aims to examine the gap between the concept of a sustainable city and sub-optimal waste management practices. Through a normative legal approach involving an analysis of legislation and relevant literature, it has been found that the implementation of waste management policies continues to face various challenges, such as weak law enforcement, a lack of policy integration, and low levels of public participation. On the other hand, the use of the label ‘sustainable city’ tends to be symbolic and does not yet reflect comprehensive practices. This paper positions the issue of waste as a key indicator in assessing urban sustainability. The novelty of this study lies in its critical approach, which links the discourse on sustainability with the contextual realities of waste management, thereby offering a more reflective and distinct perspective from previous studies.

Consumerism is an increasingly dominant phenomenon in modern society along with the development of capitalism, globalization, and information technology. Society's consumption patterns have shifted from being primarily oriented toward fulfilling needs to fulfilling symbolic desires. In this context, Jean Baudrillard's thinking is relevant in explaining that consumption is no longer based on use value, but rather on the sign value inherent in a commodity. This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of consumerism in modern society through Jean Baudrillard's critical perspective and to uncover its social implications. The research method used is a qualitative approach with library research, which examines various scientific literature, books, and journals related to consumerism and simulation theory. The results show that consumerism has created a pseudo-reality (simulacra), where individuals consume based on symbolic impulses shaped by the media, advertising, and popular culture. Consumption becomes a means to construct self-identity and gain social recognition, thus encouraging excessive consumer behavior. Furthermore, this phenomenon also results in social alienation, identity crises, and dependence on the global capitalist system. Thus, consumerism is not only an economic activity but also a complex socio-cultural phenomenon. Therefore, critical awareness is needed so that society can be more rational and selective in its consumption practices