Jurnal Sosiologi Agama

Tabut in Bengkulu: Comparative Perspectives of KKT and KETAB on Origins, Rituals, and Culturalization

2025-11-22T22:27:56+07:00

The Tabut tradition in Bengkulu is a cultural heritage with strong historical, social, and religious values. This tradition develops in two main groups, namely Kerukunan Keluarga Tabut (KKT) and Kerukunan Tabut Budaya (KETAB). These two groups have differences in the practice and meaning of traditions, so studying from a comparative perspective is interesting. This study aims to analyze the differences and similarities between KKT and KETAB in the implementation of the Tabut Tradition in Bengkulu. This study uses a qualitative method with a comparative study approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with KKT and KETAB leaders, direct observation of the implementation of the Tabut Tradition, and related literature studies. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive-analytical techniques to understand the differences and similarities between the two groups. The results of the study show that although KKT emphasizes more religious and ritual aspects in the Tabut Tradition, while KETAB is more oriented towards cultural and tourism aspects, both still play a role in preserving traditions. In addition, it was found that the difference in meaning did not hinder social harmony between the two groups in the implementation of the Ark event every year. The difference in orientation between KKT and KETAB shows the flexibility of the Tabut Tradition in adapting to changing times. Both groups play an important role in preserving this tradition, both in terms of religion.

The Transformation of Religious Habitus Among Mahasantri Through a Dormitory Program

2025-11-23T23:04:51+07:00

The dormitory program serves as a strategic initiative aimed at cultivating students’ religious character through immersive communal living. Functioning beyond its role as a residential facility, the dormitory operates as a structured social field that facilitates the internalization of religious dispositions. This study adopts a descriptive qualitative methodology, drawing on in-depth interviews with alumni of the dormitory program and document analysis of the Ma’had al-Jāmi‘ah curriculum. Guided by Pierre Bourdieu’s theoretical framework—particularly the interrelated concepts of habitus, field, and capital—this research explores how religious practices, institutional oversight, and peer interactions within the dormitory environment contribute to the formation of a religious habitus among student-santri. The findings indicate that while the dormitory program significantly shapes students’ religious orientations, the durability of this habitus post-residency is contingent upon their access to cultural and social capital and the nature of the new social fields they enter. These results underscore the transformative potential of the dormitory program, while also highlighting the need for sustained strategies to support the continuity of religious values beyond the institutional setting.

Transformation of Social Identity Among Former Thugs in Surakarta City

2025-11-22T22:26:17+07:00

This article examines the transformation of the social identity of former gangsters (preman) in the city
of Solo who seek to rebuild their religious identity through the process of hijrah and active participation
in religious communities such as Juba Rescue and Ekspreso. The study employs the Social Identity
Theory (Tajfel & Turner) and the Stigma and Identity Management Theory (Erving Goffman) to
understand the dynamics of self-transformation and the strategies used to manage a spoiled identity.
Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and field documentation
conducted between 2023 and 2024. The findings reveal that the transformation of former gangsters’
social identity unfolds across five main dimensions: (1) Social Identity Repositioning — from Gangster
to Respected Muslim; (2) Symbolic Representation and Self-Presentation; (3) Spiritual Process and
Moral Transition; (4) Ideological and Social Loyalty Shifts; and (5) Economic Reorientation and the
Emergence of a New Work Ethic. This process illustrates a continuous negotiation between a deviant
past and the construction of a renewed religious self, highlighting the success of stigma management
in shaping a new social identity within the urban public sphere.

Collective Memory, Ritual and Symbols as Cultural Defense of Traditional Muslim Society in Semarang, Central Java

2025-11-23T23:03:20+07:00

This paper explores how a community maintains its identity when it has to deal with changes. By using traditional Muslims in the city of Semarang as the group studied, this study examines how this group builds cultural defenses. The data in this sociological research were obtained through literature study, observation and interviews. Once collected, the data were analyzed descriptively. By using a cultural defense framework, traditional Muslim groups in Semarang build defense with three aspects; collective memory, rituals and symbols. All three are presented as an attempt to deal with modernity.

Negotiative Coexistence of the Wahabi Movement and Religious Moderation in East Lombok

2025-11-24T15:58:26+07:00

This research was conducted in three villages in East Lombok, namely Suralaga, Bagik Nyaka, and Kalijaga, to understand the phenomenon of the Wahabi movement and religious moderation in society. The main reason for this research is the increasing conflict due to differences in religious understanding triggered by the exclusivity of the Wahabi group. This research aims to analyze the pattern of social interaction and values of religious moderation between Wahabi groups and cultural Islamic society. With a qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The results showed that the exclusivity of the Wahabi group led by its elite became a trigger for conflict, while grassroots worshipers showed the potential to accept the values of moderation. Mosques and education are the main media for the spread of Wahabi ideology. However, efforts to strengthen religious moderation can be done by encouraging tolerance and understanding across groups. The conclusion of this research emphasizes the importance of religious moderation strategies to create harmony amid religious differences.

The Dynamics of Adolescent Relationships and the Disintegration of Moral Regulation

2025-12-07T20:31:34+07:00

Unplanned pregnancies among teenagers are often perceived merely as a lapse in individual
self-discipline. Nevertheless, in Paremono Village, located in Magelang Regency, a community
that upholds strong Islamic values, this issue reveals a sociological contradiction. This research
seeks to understand why the moral regulations associated with religion fail in deterring risky
sexual activities among young people. Employing a qualitative case study method, data were
gathered through comprehensive interviews with 20 participants: 10 adolescent girls who are
pregnant, 5 parents, and 5 religious leaders. The study's results indicate a breakdown in
informal social control structures. Cultural and religious stigmas surrounding sexuality create
obstacles to communication within families, resulting in a “reproduction of ignorance.”
Consequently, adolescents experience cognitive dissonance: they have theological awareness
about what constitutes “sin,” yet lack meaningful moral support to withstand external
pressures. Viewed through the framework of Social Learning Theory, the absence of parental
and religious guidance is compensated for by peer groups that normalize a liberal dating
environment and digital pornography. This research concludes that an abundance of religious
symbols does not guarantee moral internalization without engaging in and facilitating open
educational discussions. This study suggests enhancing the involvement of religious leaders to
reduce the stigma surrounding reproductive health education and to transition the teaching
approach from a rigid to a more conversational style.

Social Construction of the Power Relations of Sole Parenting of Nyai in the Solo Raya Pesantren

2025-11-24T15:57:04+07:00

The position of women remains a sensitive topic, both within and beyond the Pesantren. This research aims to examine the social construction of the power relations of the Nyai whose Kiai has left behind. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with snowball sampling. Data collection techniques use interviews, documentation, and observation. The subjects in this study were 4 Nyai from Singoludiro Islamic Boarding School, Al Mubarrok Islamic Boarding School in Boyolali, Qoshul Qur'an Islamic Boarding School in Klaten, and Nyai Al Muayyad Islamic Boarding School in Solo. Social construction consists of three stages. First, externalization occurred during the adjustment period following Kiai's marriage. Second, the objectification stage is carried out by considering the needs of the Pesantren. Nyai then continued Kiai's public role as a wife. It is a sign that a devoted wife must continue Kiai's struggle. The third stage of internalization occurs when Nyai is fully aware of Nyai's position as the sole caregiver in the Pesantren. The parenting pattern used by Nyai is still the same as the Pesantren criteria in providing complete care for Kiai and Nyai. What differs is that the actor caring for him is now a single actor. The connection between power relations and knowledge production is shown in various forms. It can be seen from Nyai that inherent capital, such as capital, cultural capital, and intellectual capital, can produce knowledge according to their basic abilities. This ability was developed through the production process that Nyai and Kiai underwent while living together and through the initial skills they had when managing their care in the past. The notable finding is that Nyai's parenting patterns tend to mirror those adopted from Kiai.

The Role of Religious Communities in Democracy and Political Participation in Surabaya

2025-12-07T20:21:50+07:00

Religious communities have an important role in shaping and strengthening democratic practices and political participation in Surabaya, Indonesia. This research employed a qualitative approach, incorporating field observations, in-depth interviews, and literature reviews. The purpose of this article is to understand how religious values and institutions influence the political behavior of citizens. To achieve this objective, the study employs a qualitative case study approach in Surabaya. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with religious leaders and political activists, and a review of relevant literature. All data were then analyzed thematically to identify patterns of political participation among religious communities and how religious values shape their political actions. The findings show that religious actors such as clerics, church leaders, and interfaith communities play an active role in shaping political awareness, encouraging ethical political practices, and mobilizing voters. However, there are challenges, including the politicization of religion and the dominance of exclusive narratives. This study contributes to the sociology of religion by demonstrating how religious life in a plural society can become a force for democratization. Further research is suggested to explore digital religious activism in political contexts

Religion-Based Social Relations in Police Practice in Managing Klitih in the Special Region of Yogyakarta

2025-12-15T16:21:59+07:00

In recent years, the phenomenon of klitih in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) has caused
widespread public concern. Although the police have the authority to enforce the law, addressing
this crime is insufficient when relying solely on repressive measures. This article examines how
police practices in DIY utilize religion-based social relations—namely forms of collaboration
involving religious leaders, majelis taklim, pesantren, and Islamic educational institutions—to
manage klitih-related crime. Using a qualitative approach through literature review, interviews, and
observation, the study finds that the police have developed various collaborative programs such as
religiously framed public safety outreach, mentoring for at-risk youth through majelis taklim, and
preventive partnerships with pesantren and dakwah communities. This religion-based approach
has proven effective in engaging the moral dimensions of youth, strengthening community social
control, and fostering a sense of solidarity between law enforcement, community members, and
religious leaders. Nevertheless, its implementation faces several challenges, including limited
resources, resistance among some youths, and uneven program continuity. This article asserts that
religion-based social relations contribute significantly to expanding the police’s role as inclusive,
preventive, and contextually grounded guardians of public order within a religious society.