Islamism and the Politicization of Religion: Political Challenges in Indonesia toward 2024

In the past few weeks of May 2023, Indonesian netizens were stirred by the "ticket war" for the concert of the famous band from London, England, Coldplay. This band, established in 1997, received an overwhelming response from the Indonesian youth. The concert tickets provided by the promoter sold out quickly, even though the concert was scheduled to take place six months later on November 15, 2023, at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (GBK) in Jakarta.

The frenzy surrounding the Coldplay concert is understandable. Besides being their first-ever tour in Indonesia, Coldplay is also one of the limestone rock bands that have sold 100 million albums. However, the euphoria surrounding this spectacular music concert suddenly vanished when there was opposition from several religious groups in Indonesia.

The rejection came from the Alumni Brotherhood (PA) 212 group. The issue they raised was the claim that the band was closely associated with LGBT and atheism. Furthermore, the PA 212 group threatened to besiege the airport if the concert proceeded. Shortly afterward, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) followed suit. The question is, on what basis did they reject the concert? Are there any valid proofs that the band is involved with LGBT or atheism, for example?

Islamism and the politicization of religion have been prominent since the 2014 Presidential Election. In the realm of digital public discourse, there has been a significant increase in the battle of ideas. Campaigns that were previously conventional have shifted to the digital sphere. Both the Jokowi-JK and Prabowo-Hatta camps engaged in black campaigns, utilizing identity politics with elements of religion, ethnicity, race, and intergroup conflicts, as well as structured and massive hoaxes and hate speech. Each camp used religious symbols to seek sympathy, legitimacy, and delegitimization of their political opponents. It was from that context that terms like "cebong" (Jokowi supporters) and "kampret" (Prabowo supporters) emerged, along with the terms "BuzzerRp" and "kadrun" as variations of political epithets.

Based on the records from the DroneEmprit website on July 17, 2022, the fluctuation in the usage of these terms in tweets on Twitter from July 1, 2015, to April 16, 2022, can be observed. The first term that emerged was "cebong," followed by "kampret," "kadrun," "buzzer," and "buzzerRp." The peak usage of "cebong" and "kampret" occurred in April 2019 during the 2019 Presidential Election. After the 2019 election, the usage of these two terms drastically decreased. However, a new term emerged at the end of 2019, namely "kadrun," followed by "buzzer" and its variations, such as "buzzerRp."

Before the 2019 Presidential Election, the public was captivated by the "blasphemy" case that befell Jakarta's Governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok). He was entangled in a video of his speech during a working visit to the Thousand Islands on September 27, 2016, which was edited and framed with the narrative of "blasphemy against Surah Al-Maidah verse 51." In reality, Ahok's speech, which lasted for 40 minutes, was about "not being deceived by politicians who misuse Surah Al-Maidah verse 51 to undermine their non-Muslim political opponents."

However, because the edited video went

 viral with a narrative that touched on sensitive religious and ethnic issues, it sparked the 411 and 212 Actions in 2016, demanding Ahok's imprisonment for allegedly insulting Islam. The movement, led by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), succeeded in imprisoning Ahok with a two-year sentence in May 2017. As the incumbent candidate, Ahok lost in the 2017 Jakarta Gubernatorial Election due to the use of religious and identity-based issues.

It seems that our society has entered the era of "post-truth." People prioritize assumptions, emotions, and suspicions over logic and facts. This phenomenon is similar to Baudrillard's description that we are in an era of abundant information but lacking deep meaning.

In this context, the PA 212 group and MUI emerged and continue to grow. While their political interests may not be as intense as during the 2017 Jakarta Gubernatorial Election, the massive politicization of religion at that time left lingering identity sentiments. Islamism is strengthening, and the digital public sphere is experiencing what philosopher Habermas calls "refeudalization," which refers to the influence of power desires on the public sphere.

The rejection of the grand Coldplay concert is just a small example of how Islamism is gaining strength in Indonesia. The issues of LGBT or atheism are not new. It is reminiscent of the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) issue that always heats up, especially in September each year, particularly in the political context. However, the crucial point is not that. As the 2024 political year approaches, with several political parties having already announced their presidential candidates, where is Indonesian politics headed? Will it be similar to previous presidential elections that tore democracy apart with religious and identity issues, or will it be more civilized and clear in its direction?

The threats from the PA 212 group and MUI can serve as signals to answer these questions. Although the current political temperature may not be as high as in 2019 or 2014, it does not mean that the nuances will be significantly different if the same political actors are involved. This is in line with LP3ES's report on the danger of the political oligarchy circle in Indonesia.

In the discussion on "Political Dynamics toward 2024: What Does Big Data Say?" held on February 5, 2023, LP3ES in collaboration with Continuum stated that Indonesia is facing a dangerous situation in the future. This is due to the presence of three political power axes: the state or the oligarchy that has united with political parties, and a fragmented society. Therefore, concrete steps are needed to prevent Indonesian democracy from falling into a precipice.

The massive politicization of religion has left lingering identity sentiments. Islamism is strengthening, and the digital public sphere is experiencing what philosopher Habermas referred to as "refeudalization," which involves the influence of power desires on the public sphere.

Regarding evidence of Coldplay's association with LGBT, there is no concrete data to be disclosed, except that in some stage performances, Coldplay's vocalist, Chris Martin, often carries rainbow flags. However, their song lyrics do not support the LGBT or atheism community.

As renowned artists and musicians, this band may feel entitled to speak up and advocate for the rights of minorities. It should be noted that what they defend is human rights, not sexual orientation or other matters. There is no clear clarification from them regarding their support for LGBT activities.

Furthermore, the band also has an online record of supporting Palestinian independence and "condemning" Israel. However, the basis for their stance is not solely rooted in religion but rather in humanitarian concerns and the right to self-determination. []

Muhammad Syahrur's Perspective on the Pillars of Islam: A New Dimension to Understanding the Religion

The pillars of Islam are fundamental aspects of the religion. However, Syrian philosopher and scholar, Muhammad Syahrur, has called into question the concept of these pillars. In this article, we will discuss Syahrur's views on the pillars of Islam and their implications.

The author begins by stating that the pillars of Islam are based on two hadiths agreed upon by Sunni scholars. However, Syahrur argues that the pillars of Islam are not five, but three. This raises questions about other hadiths that mention Islamic principles but have different content from the five pillars. The author wonders if we should acknowledge the existence of more than five pillars of Islam based on these hadiths.

According to Muhammad Syahrur, there are three main principles of Islam: belief in the existence of Allah, belief in the day of judgment, and doing good deeds. Although this idea seems simple, it challenges the traditional view of the pillars of Islam. This implies that the pillars of Islam are not just a set of practices, but a deeper understanding of the essence of Islam.

It is important to note that the purpose of this article is not to confirm Syahrur's views, but to discuss and refute them academically. The author acknowledges that Syahrur's perspective on Islam adds a new dimension to the concept of the pillars of Islam.

In addition, Syahrur's idea of the "pillars of Islam" includes anyone who practices them, regardless of their religious affiliation, including followers of Judaism, Christianity, and other religions. This concept challenges the traditional view that Islam is exclusive only to Muslims. It is an open and inclusive view of Islam that emphasizes the universal principles of religion.

The concept of "bayn al-mu'minin wa al-muslimin" (the agreement between believers and Muslims) in the Medina Charter complements Syahrur's perspective on Islam by distinguishing between believers and Muslims. This agreement emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation between believers, regardless of their religious affiliation.

However, Syahrur's views leave some unanswered questions. He does not use the terms "kafir" or "non-Muslim" as the opposite of Muslims, so the question that arises is what term he uses. Also, it is unclear what Syahrur's view is on the "pillars of Iman" and what term he uses to distinguish between believers and Muslims.

Overall, Muhammad Syahrur's perspective on the pillars of Islam provides a new dimension to understanding the fundamental principles of religion. Although this view challenges the traditional view of the pillars of Islam, it is important to discuss and refute these ideas academically. Syahrur's inclusive view of Islam emphasizes the universal principles of religion, which is essential for promoting unity and cooperation between believers.

Uncovering the Truths about Indonesian Education System: Insights from Afdillah Chudiel

 Have you ever heard of Afdillah Chudiel? He is a writer and sociologist who has written a book that can make you reflect on our education system. The title of his book is provocative, but the purpose is to make us aware that the education institution we have is not always pure and successful.

In his book, Chudiel shares his experience of providing trauma healing for the children who were victims of the earthquake in West Sumatra in 2007. He found that the children there were not too concerned about school or dropping out because it didn't have much of an impact on their lives.

They actually felt that school had strange rules and often created unhealthy competition among students. The complicated learning curriculum also made them confused and ineffective. There were also cases of children who were hurt by schools, which should have been a place for protection.

Education that should help them achieve their dreams has become a problem. The National Exam makes them afraid and pressured. Moreover, our schools seem to be factories that produce high-quality humans who can compete with other humans. In fact, there are still many children in remote areas who cannot attend school due to poverty and limitations.

This book makes us reflect on the bitter reality faced by our children in various remote areas. Hopefully, this book can be a breakthrough to generate solutions to improve our education system. We all have a responsibility to open our minds and awareness of the importance of quality education.

Bima Yudho - Critical and Controversial Commentary on Lampung Development on Tiktok

 Have you ever heard of Bima Yudho? He's quite famous on Tiktok, but lately he's been getting a lot of criticism for his commentary on Lampung's development. In one video, he even referred to Megawati as a "widow," causing a stir on social media.

Despite being controversial, Bima's videos continue to go viral. One of the most talked about clips includes an interview of Najwa Shihab with Ganjar Pranowo regarding the cancellation of Indonesia as the host of the U-20 World Cup. Bima added his own comment and criticized both sides.

However, not everyone feels entertained by Bima's behavior. Many netizens feel that his comments are over the top and disrespectful to Megawati. Some have even questioned his attitude and called him "arrogant."

But there's good news for Bima - the investigation against him under the Information and Electronic Transactions Act has been dropped. It seems that the police did not find any wrongdoing in Bima's actions, and the case has been dismissed.

Of course, Bima's critics are not happy with this. Some even accused him of using controversy to gain more fame on Tiktok. But whatever your opinion, it's clear that Bima's videos have sparked a lot of discussion and debate on social media.

In the end, we all have the right to express our opinions and criticize the government if we feel that they are not doing their job properly. But let's not forget that there is a right way and a wrong way to express our opinions. Let's stay responsible and express our opinions with respect and constructively, my friends.

Ketupat: Beyond Just a Dish - The Philosophical Meanings and Traditions Behind Indonesia's Favorite Food

 Ketupat is a popular dish for Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr after completing the holy month of Ramadan. It is made from rice wrapped in young coconut leaves or "janur" in Javanese, formed into a square shape with the remaining woven leaves protruding above and below. The cooking process involves boiling it for about five hours after the rice, coconut milk, and pandan leaves have been cooked in a pot for thirty minutes but not fully cooked ("di karu" in Javanese) to become the filling of the ketupat. The pandan leaves function to provide a delightful aroma and savory flavor to the ketupat. Since the leaves wilt easily, it is essential to soak them in water while cooking the rice. Ketupat is usually served with vegetables such as chicken opor, rendang, or satay.

The history of ketupat can be traced back to Sunan Kalijaga, the ninth Muslim saint (waliyullah) in Java during the 15th and 16th centuries. After the Eid al-Fitr, there is a tradition called "bakda kupat." Why is it related to ketupat? In the past, people were willing to do anything to achieve their daily goals, sometimes ignoring the interests of people around them, including family and neighbors. This behavior often resulted in hurt feelings, anger, and even hatred. Ketupat became a symbol of sincere apologies, and each part of the ketupat had unique meanings, starting from its main ingredients, rice and janur.

Rice symbolized the human desires, while janur represented the light of truth (in Javanese, "jatining nur"). Therefore, both should be interpreted as humans' need to control their worldly desires with their conscience. In Sundanese, ketupat is called "Kupat," meaning a person who is not allowed to "ngupat" or talk negatively about others. Ketupat or kupat is translated as "jarwa dhosok," which means "admitting fault" and contains a message that humans must forgive each other. For Indonesians, ketupat is not only a delicious food to be served during Eid al-Fitr but also has philosophical meanings and traditions that are essential in daily life. Therefore, it is always a favorite dish in every celebration.

Moreover, ketupat is also a symbol of unity and togetherness. It is always served in one bowl and shared by all people present, reflecting the solidarity and brotherhood that should be maintained among Muslims. Although ketupat looks simple, making it requires special skills, such as selecting the right rice, cooking it with coconut milk and pandan leaves, and wrapping it with young coconut leaves. Additionally, the cooking time for ketupat is quite long, approximately five hours. Nevertheless, the delicious and unique taste is worth all the efforts and hard work.

During Kupatan, the whole family usually gathers to make ketupat together. This moment is precious to strengthen the bonds of togetherness among family members. Furthermore, this food also symbolizes gratitude for all the blessings given by Allah SWT.

Overall, ketupat is not just a dish but also has philosophical meanings and traditions that are essential for Indonesian people. This food is a symbol of unity, togetherness, and gratitude for all the blessings received from Allah SWT.

Celebrating Eid with Muhammadiyah and NU: Gading Pesantren Malang

In determining the date of Eid al-Fitr, many pesantrens still use the hisab method. However, this decision still receives pros and cons among the public. One of them is Miftahul Huda Pesantren, Gading Pesantren, Malang, which sets 1 Shawwal falls on Friday, April 21, 2023, together with friends from Muhammadiyah.

Gading Pesantren, one of the pesantrens with 24-carat Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) essence, has strength in falak. Since then until now, this pesantren has used the hisab method to determine 1 Shawwal. But does this decision make this pesantren removed from the NU pesantren list? No. Even one of the Gading pesantren's ustadh who is an expert in falak, Ust. Ali Murtadho (Allah yarham), is one of the founders and caretakers of Sabilur Rosyad Pesantren, along with KH. Marzuki Mustamar, the Chairman of Tanfidziyah PWNU East Java service period 2018-2023.

Not only that, Gading Pesantren has also celebrated Eid differently from what the government decided. However, there has never been any commotion with the surrounding community. Usually, those who participate in Eid prayer in this pesantren are the pesantren's students and surrounding community who acknowledge it. The hisab results only apply internally to the pesantren. Nonetheless, there is no obligation for each student to follow it.

For most Gading Pesantren students, following the pesantren's decision regarding 1 Shawwal than others, including the government, is a guarantee of religious truth. It is the humility of NU students towards their kiai. For example, when NU decided on Eid al-Fitr differently from the government's decision in 1992 or 1993, this decision made a Muhammadiyah figure in the village feel unhappy. However, as a village-level NU kiai, the father still followed the PBNU decision, which eventually became the right choice.

In determining when Eid al-Fitr falls, it is good for us to understand that the main criterion is to look at the hilal. However, based on the hadith Bukhari "shumu li ru'yatihi wa'fthiru li ru'yatihi," the hisab method may still be an option for some pesantrens. However, the most important thing is to maintain interfaith relationships and respect the choices of each pesantren and the community. We can also learn about the humility and attitude of respecting decisions from NU students who are very obedient to their kiai.

The Beauty of Writing Light Notes

 Someone who enjoys writing light notes often finds happiness when writing. Although it is only a few paragraphs each time, they do it wholeheartedly. Such writing can be completed in a few days or even a week depending on the conditions. When busyness is overwhelming and problems are piling up, writing light notes is an oasis that can relieve stress. Although the problems are not resolved, writing can provide a sensation for momentarily forgetting the problems and provide a different perspective on them.

This person also has a main duty as a lecturer who must produce written works in the form of books or journal articles. However, they still write light notes because they have a strong commitment to write every day, no matter how little or much can be produced. People who have a high spirit for writing but lack commitment often experience losing their spirit and dreams of becoming a writer. However, if they get the opportunity and a supporting environment, it is very possible for them to become tough writers.

This person continues to learn about writing by reading and analyzing writings, as well as learning by continuing to write. They believe that writing has many benefits for themselves and will continue to write as long as they are able to do so.

Reflection on the Importance of Empathy in the Digital Era

With the rapid development of technology, human life is becoming easier with the internet and social media. However, at the same time, the phenomenon of individualism and difficulty in understanding the feelings of others is increasing. In this article, we will discuss the importance of empathy in today's digital life and how we can develop this ability.

The Importance of Empathy

Empathy is the ability to feel and understand the feelings of others. In digital life, empathy becomes increasingly important because we can easily communicate with others without having to face-to-face. In social media, we can write comments or send messages without seeing the direct reaction from the person we are talking to. This can lead to problems such as misunderstandings and conflict.

In the context of digital life, a lack of empathy can trigger cyberbullying behavior. Many people feel free to write rude comments or belittle others without thinking about the feelings of the victim. This often happens to teenagers who do not have mature empathic abilities.

In addition, a lack of empathy can also trigger disputes in social relationships. Many people are too focused on personal interests, ignoring the feelings and needs of others. This can lead to tension in social relationships, such as disputes between different groups.

Developing Empathy Skills

To develop empathy skills, we must learn to listen well. In the context of digital life, listening well means reading well. We must read messages or comments carefully and understand the context before responding.

In addition, we must also learn to respect differences of opinion. In social media, different opinions and perspectives can easily be displayed and shared. We must learn to understand other people's perspectives and respect those differences.

We must also learn to acknowledge mistakes and apologize. In social life, whether real or virtual, acknowledging mistakes and apologizing is an important action to alleviate conflicts and improve the quality of our social relationships.

In developing empathy skills, we must also learn to use social media wisely and responsibly. We must understand that the existence of social media also has negative impacts, such as negative content and cyberbullying behavior. Therefore, we must learn to use social media positively and not harm others.

Conclusion

In this increasingly complex digital life, empathy is becoming more and more important.

Analysis of the Positive Message in the Song "Syantik" and Its Significance in Fostering Self-Confidence in Women.

The popular Tik-Tok song "Syantik" has sparked questions about the meaning of the lyrics sung by Siti Badriah. The song tells the story of a woman who feels "syantik" or beautiful and attracts the attention of many men. However, the woman also admits that she does not care about negative comments from people who are jealous or dislike her appearance.

The song delivers a positive message about self-confidence and self-love. A woman who is "syantik" does not have to always wear heavy makeup or get dolled up. A "syantik" woman is someone who has strengths and weaknesses, but remains proud of herself.

The song also encourages us to have fun and enjoy life. A "syantik" woman does not have to always be serious or stressed. A "syantik" woman is someone who can relax and have fun with her friends. A "syantik" woman can also dance and sing freely.

The song also reminds us not to be easily tempted or influenced by others. A "syantik" woman does not have to always follow trends or other people's styles. A "syantik" woman is someone who has her own taste and style. A "syantik" woman can also reject or choose a man who is right for her.

"Syantik" is a song that entertains and gives spirit to women. The song also shows that beauty is not just about physical appearance, but also about attitude and personality. The song also emphasizes that every woman is "syantik" in her own way.

Appropriate title for the article: "The Power of 'Syantik': Fostering Self-Confidence in Women through a Popular Tik-Tok Song".

Taking Lessons from Ramadan: Becoming a Better Human Being

 The heart is an important part of a person besides the mind. Generosity is an attitude that requires an open and light heart. Generosity means having a generous heart, not being stingy, enjoying giving, and so on.

Generous people have a wide heart and can share with others. After all, at its essence, humans do not have everything, and everything they possess is only a trust from the Almighty.

People who are easy to donate believe that what they have is also the right of others and consider it a trust that must be fulfilled. So, generous people essentially understand the essence of the concept of "possessing."

As humans, it is natural to feel entitled to everything we get. However, sometimes that feeling makes it difficult for us to let go or even too greedy to keep having many things.

But actually, giving and sharing don't always have to be grand. For example, when we give charity, it doesn't have to be a big amount. What's important is the good intention.

One of the moments where sharing activities feel more impactful is during the month of Ramadan. Many activities of sharing iftar meals, snacks, and so on are carried out.

People are more enthusiastic, even young people from various organizations hit the streets to share food with those in need.

All of these benevolent activities certainly do not arise on their own. There are many factors that influence them, one of which is the desire to be useful to others, which is always attached to the human soul.

Maslow's theory states that humans have a hierarchy of needs, and at the third level is the need for belongings and love. After basic needs such as food and safety are met, humans want to build social relationships and experience love.

Sharing and donating during the month of Ramadan is a way to fulfill this need, and for Muslims, it is also a religious obligation. However, more than just sharing, Ramadan must also be interpreted as a time to improve the heart and train for perseverance and humility.

Fasting is not just about abstaining from hunger and thirst but also restraining lust and anger. Therefore, Ramadan is a time to train the human heart. However, this month is not the ultimate goal of worship and doing good. Instead, this month must become a training ground and form good habits for the following months.

Ramadan is a month in which people compete to do good. However, while carrying out these deeds, we need to pay attention to the concept of good (thayyib) in Islam. So that our good intentions can be successful, they must be done in a good way and not have a negative impact on others. We must strive to be generous by understanding others and becoming humans who have the ability to refrain from things that are not good.

Generosity doesn't always have to be with money but can also be by giving kindness to others in any form. When we are able to give in larger amounts with a sincere heart, of course, that is even better.

Ramadan is a month of generosity and forging to produce better humans. After Ramadan, there is Eid al-Fitr in the month of Shawwal, where humans return to a holy state after being tempered and improved in Ramadan.

Let's take advantage of this Ramadan moment to improve ourselves and become even better humans.

Embracing Identity Freely: Reflection on the Concept of Identity in the Film 'Taqwacore'

I like to watch YouTube before going to bed. I usually watch movies, talk shows, or stand-up comedy. Sometimes I just play the sound of rain to help me sleep.

When I want to watch a movie, I write down any keywords I want like "Indonesian movie" or "Indonesian sub movie" in the YouTube search bar. Then, YouTube will show a list of films based on the keywords I wrote. One day in 2017, there was a movie with the title "good movie" on the list, and I watched it.

The movie was titled "The Taqwacores" and was set in Buffalo, New York, USA. The film tells the story of a group of punk kids who are mostly Muslims. I was very interested in the character of Rabeya, a Muslim woman who wears a burqa (a garment that covers the entire body) with various punk identities. Rabeya actually has very feminist and liberal views despite wearing a burqa. The film is controversial and considered taboo by some Muslims, but for me, the film teaches tolerance and friendship between different characters.

In the film, Michael Muhammad Knight, a convert who is also part of the Muslim Punk Rock community, faces difficulties in being accepted among Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Nevertheless, they remain committed to performing the five daily prayers during their music tour. For a Muslim watching this film, they may feel a dilemma between their identity as a Muslim and being part of the Punk Rock community.

Identity is very important for humans, and our society continues to seek absolute identities. However, we actually have various identities within us such as gender, nationality, and social class. But not all of those identities become absolute identities. We need to reflect on ourselves and accept identities freely.

The French philosopher Gabriel Marcel said that objectivity is the opposite of existence. Existence is our concrete situation like gender and nationality, but it is not our true identity philosophically. Marcel offers three important phases to achieve objectivity, namely admiration, reflection, and exploration. By doing these three phases, we can find our true identity.

To become a true human being, according to the French philosopher Gabriel Marcel, we need to go through three important phases. The first phase is admiration, which is to open ourselves to various things in life with humility. We must be willing to see, hear, and accept new things with an open mind. We cannot be true human beings if we are arrogant and conceited.

However, being open alone is not enough. We also need to reflect on ourselves. Reflection has two stages. The first stage is intellectual reflection, which is abstract, analytical, universal, and verifiable. The second stage is dialogical reflection with real life. We must bring our thoughts and life experiences together in order to better understand ourselves.

After going through these two stages of reflection, we will arrive at the exploration phase. In this phase, we can accept reality freely, including accepting ourselves with all the identities that are attached to us. According to Marcel, the exploration phase goes beyond our active thinking.

From Marcel's philosophical concept, the Punk Rock Muslims in the mentioned film seem to reflect on themselves. They open themselves up to two different identities, as a Muslim and as a Punk Rock music fan. By reflecting on their identities, they could accept their identities freely and simultaneously embrace both of them.

Grateful to Maintain Mental Health

A friend of mine recently asked me for a book recommendation on "self-love." We often hear this term, especially on social media. But what does it actually mean?

Self-love means loving oneself and accepting one's weaknesses and strengths. When someone is able to love themselves, they will feel happy and confident. This is the key to achieving true happiness.

There are many benefits of self-love. Firstly, we will feel satisfied with our lives. We don't need to force ourselves to meet other people's expectations. We will also feel happy with our weaknesses and strengths.

Secondly, self-love helps us avoid mental disorders such as depression, stress, and anxiety. We will not be crushed when we see other people who are more successful than us. We also will not compare ourselves to others negatively.

Thirdly, self-love helps us live a healthy life physically and mentally. We will pay more attention to bodily needs such as eating healthy food, drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and exercising. We will also pay attention to spiritual needs such as being grateful, spending time alone, practicing mindfulness, forgiving and being proud of our confidence.

So, self-love is not just a popular term on social media. It is a way to love and accept ourselves, so that we can live a happy and healthy life.

Maqashid al-Shari'ah is about the goals of Islamic law that humans must follow to achieve happiness in this world and the hereafter. The main concept of maqashid al-Shari'ah is to realize goodness and avoid harm. There are five main objectives in maqashid al-Shari'ah, which are to maintain religion, life, intellect, progeny, and property.

Self-love is very important because it can help a person find inner peace. By loving oneself, a person can find happiness that suits themself without comparing themselves to others. Self-love can also keep a person from mental disorders such as stress and depression, which can affect a person's mental health. Maintaining mental health is an important goal in maqashid al-Shari'ah.

According to Islam, mental health is a state of mind that is always calm, safe, peaceful, and always seeks peace. In this context, self-love can help a person achieve better mental health. By loving oneself, a person can avoid bad actions and improve their mental condition. Therefore, self-love is something that is very important in Islam.

Everyone will definitely experience problems in their lives. However, we must realize that we are not alone and there are still many people who experience the same or even more difficult situations than us. A lecture once said that we will feel the pinnacle of happiness when we can be grateful for what we already have. We must be grateful for every blessing that Allah has given us, because nothing is in vain. Sometimes we don't realize the blessings that are given because they are obscured by our own egos.

We must always be optimistic that every problem we face is a process towards a better direction. Like the proverb, after rain comes the rainbow, or as said by R.A. Kartini, after darkness comes the light. We must also remember that Allah will not give trials that exceed our capability. In addition, there are still many things in this world that we should be grateful for, such as having friends, family, and jobs. We must be grateful for the happiness that has been given, because not everyone can feel the same thing.

Chinese Mediation in Saudi-Iran Peace: Reflection on the Complexity of Triangular Relations

Recently, we were surprised by the news that China successfully mediated peace between Saudi Arabia and Iran. This is noteworthy as the two nations are often embroiled in disputes and mutual accusations. Many regarded the root of the problem as political competition, mainly regarding the struggle for power in the Middle East and differences in oil and gas management policies.

However, in Indonesia, some still view the feud between Saudi Arabia and Iran as a conflict between Sunni and Shia. This is problematic as the two countries have Shia and Sunni citizens living together peacefully. The conflict between them becomes more complicated after Iran's revolution, and it has been narrowed, viewed only as a Sunni-Shia conflict.

Although the complexity of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as China's role as a mediator, cannot be dismissed entirely. Even though Saudi is viewed as the representative of Sunni and Iran as the representative of Shia, this division is flexible and does not always reflect the actual political reality. The Sunni vs. Shia issue is just superficial, and it is perhaps made to conceal the actual conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

We were surprised that Saudi Arabia and Iran ended their lengthy feud with a handshake marking peace, which was mediated by China instead of the usual America. In any case, peace is always good, even if there are interests or agendas behind it. However, there are still some issues that need to be resolved even though Saudi Arabia and Iran have made peace, and this must be done peacefully and diplomatically.

Therefore, let us welcome this good news and hope that peace between Saudi Arabia and Iran can continue to prosper. Let us also hope that China's mediation efforts can be a positive example for other nations in resolving conflicts through peaceful and diplomatic means.

Eksis: A New Human Need in the Digital Era

 Currently, the word "eksis" is trending everywhere - on social media, television, radio, and even in real life conversations. The origin of this word comes from the English word "exist", which means "to be" or "to live". In general, "eksis" means an individual's desire to be acknowledged by others.

In the past, only officials, celebrities, businesspeople, and religious figures were recognized by society. However, thanks to technology and social media, anyone can now become "eksis". Many people use social media to show their existence, ranging from ordinary people to famous politicians. 

However, sometimes people become addicted to being "eksis" on social media, leading them to obscure their true selves. Thus, it is essential to control ourselves when using social media.

Being "eksis" has now become a need for many people. As humans, we tend to fulfill our needs once our more basic needs are met. Human needs consist of five categories: physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization. "Eksis" falls under the category of needing to be acknowledged, loved, and valued by others.

In this era, the desire to be "eksis" has become a new culture among university students. They use social media to promote their events with attractive designs to attract others. Even university organizations compete to attract attention by creating flashy posters for their activities.

On campus, being "eksis" is very important, especially for student organizations. Usually, they use social media to promote the events they've created. The irony is that sometimes they are too focused on creating attractive designs without considering whether their activities benefit other students. As a result, their events become simple gatherings without making a positive contribution to others. Therefore, it is crucial for us, as university students, to ensure the essence of the activities we create, not just focus on the existence of our organization. If the activity is genuinely beneficial, it will undoubtedly be more attractive than just an ordinary gathering.

You must have participated in university organization activities, right? It is exciting to attend a talk show or a writing competition. However, some organizations only focus on looks and forget to make meaningful activities. It's frustrating to attend events without giving a positive contribution.

Therefore, as university students, we should be more concerned about the essence of the activities we create. Activities that benefit other students will undoubtedly be more fun and less wasteful of our time. If the university organization wants to be "eksis" and known, they should create a clear and well-planned concept for their activities. The purpose should be beneficial to many people or be a way to create a better change.

For example, if we want to make students prefer reading and discussing, we can't just ask them to read or attend a discussion. We also need to provide adequate facilities and great ideas that will attract them. We can provide many good books or enough garbage bins, then ask the cleaning staff to set a good example for other students.

Not only that, if we want to create exciting discussion events, we need to create an excellent concept that benefits many people. Students should not only be consumers of knowledge, but also producers. Therefore, discussions should allow everyone to learn and contribute. We should not just create a platform for our own visibility.

In conclusion, we must continue to learn and progress to create even better changes. Let's keep up the spirit!

Grave Pilgrimage: Uncovering the Spiritual and Cultural Significance Behind the Practice

In Indonesia, many people from various walks of life and religions, especially Muslims, engage in grave pilgrimage for various reasons. Some visit their parents' graves every day, while others journey to the graves of saints and religious leaders in groups during certain months with the intention of seeking blessings. Grave pilgrimage is a common practice in Indonesia, especially leading up to the holy month of Ramadan, where nearly all cemeteries become crowded with pilgrims visiting their departed loved ones.

The culture of nyekar, which means visiting the graves of one's parents, can also be found in several regions. For instance, every Jumat Kliwon or the Thursday before Jumat Kliwon, people visit their parents' graves as a sign of filial piety. Even though praying for one's parents can be done anywhere and anytime, visiting their grave at specific times is believed to help children remember their parents' devotion better.

According to Geertz's view, although death signifies separation, the living can still build a harmonious relationship with the deceased by continuously praying and visiting their graves. This is done on the day of their death anniversary (haul), leading up to Ramadan, or when family members fall ill, get married, or dream of meeting the deceased.

H.C. Loir also explains that in Islam, the worship of saints often involves visiting their holy tombs. A saint is a person who, by birth, talent, or through spiritual training, possesses supernatural powers.

In Indonesia, the grave pilgrimage is a common practice that relates to customs, culture, and religion. Indonesian society, especially Muslims, visit graves for various reasons such as sending prayers, seeking blessings, and displaying devotion to their departed parents.

The deceased saints are believed to possess supernatural powers that can help humans communicate with the spiritual realm. Therefore, the worship of saints is done at their gravesites. Worshippers from various social classes and nationalities gather at these sites to visit and seek blessings.

There are "caretakers" at these gravesites who provide holy water, blessings, and talismans. Additionally, there are rules in Islam that must be followed when dealing with a deceased person, such as washing, shrouding, praying, and burying.

Overall, grave pilgrimage is an important culture and tradition in Indonesia that holds high religious and social values. Maintaining and visiting the graves of the deceased is a duty in Islam. Communities that worship saints and visit the graves of holy saints, religious leaders, or revered figures believe that they can act as intermediaries between humans and God. It is believed that through them, prayers can be answered, and God's mercy can be shared.

Visiting the complex of holy graves is a periodic activity that is carried out by many people from different regions and nations, regardless of social status, ethnicity, or religion. There are "caretakers" who manage the gravesites and facilitate pilgrims by providing holy water, blessings, and talismans.

The concept of sacredness, worship, and holy ceremonies are very strong in religious and societal contexts anywhere. Although some may consider such practices extreme or misguided, for those who faithfully engage in them, it is an important part of their spiritual life.

Visiting graves is not merely a periodic ritual, but it is also a daily activity for the surrounding community and serves as a cultural, spiritual, and educational center. There exists a beautiful harmony between the living and the deceased there, where both can "coexist" naturally.

La Femme Lapidee: A Tale of Injustice and the Strength to Overcome it

 Freidoune Sahebjam, a French-Iranian journalist, wrote the book 'La Femme Lapidee' in 1990. The book tells the true story of a woman from Iran named Soraya who was stoned to death after being accused of adultery by her husband and a religious leader in the city of Kupayeh, Iran.

The book is a literary work that deeply moves readers. It reveals the cruelty of stoning practices that still exist in some Islamic countries. It also sheds light on gender discrimination issues that harm women. The book challenges readers to think critically and empathetically about Soraya's fate.

One of the book's strengths is the portrayal of the character Soraya, who is strong and courageous. Though she knew she was innocent and was a victim of false accusations, she bravely endured the stoning punishment. She did not plead for mercy or curse those who convicted her. She only prayed to God and entrusted herself to Him.

The book also features Zahra, a character who symbolizes resistance against injustice. Zahra is Soraya's aunt who loves and protects her niece. Zahra tries to uncover the lies of Soraya's husband and the religious leader who conspired to get rid of Soraya. Zahra also confronts the bloodthirsty mob and defends Soraya's rights as a woman.

The book has been translated into several languages and adapted into a movie in 2008. The film was directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh and starred Shohreh Aghdashloo as Zahra and Mozhan Marnò as Soraya. The film received praise from critics and audiences alike for its ability to convey the book's message in a touching and tense manner.

Title: The Old Man and the Sea - A Tale of Perseverance Against Adversity

Judul Asli            : The Oldman and The Sea
Penulis               : Ernest Hemingway
Tahun Terbit          : 2016 (Kelompok Penerbit Gramedia), setelah sebelumnya pernah diterbitkan pertama kali di Amerika Serikat pada 1952, dan beberapa penerbit lain di seantero dunia pada periode-periode berikutnya.
Tebal Buku            : 116 hlm + vi 

Penerjemah            : Sapardi Djoko Damono 

The novel tells the story of Santiago, an elderly fisherman who experienced an 84-day fishing drought. However, Santiago had an unwavering determination to never give up. He eventually caught a large and powerful Marlin fish, but his struggle was far from over. He had to fight off a group of hungry sharks who attempted to steal his catch.

Although Santiago was a religious person, he was also fierce and unafraid of his adversaries, which in this case were the ravenous sharks. Other characters featured in the novel include Manolin, a kind-hearted young boy who accompanied Santiago on his fishing trips, and Pedrico, the owner of Teras cafe. The names of the baseball players mentioned at the beginning and end of the book merely serve as a side note to the story.

Despite being portrayed as a simple person, the story of Santiago is inspiring, demonstrating a powerful message of perseverance against adversity. The novel's author, Ernest Hemingway, was known for his unique writing style which employed simple, yet meaningful and profound words. The pacing of the story is slow and solemn, while the setting only consists of two main locations: Santiago's wooden shack and the open sea of the Gulf of Mexico, where he fishes and catches the giant Marlin.

Other locations referenced include Teras cafe, Manolin's house, and the factory that cans sardines, helping to further paint a picture of Santiago's humanity. Although the story is simple, it is captivating and imparts a deep message with valuable takeaways.

While Hemingway's religious beliefs may differ from others, his work is still highly regarded and deserves attention. The Old Man and the Sea received the Pulitzer Prize in 1953 and holds significant spiritual value. The strength of the novel lies in Hemingway's simplistic yet memorable writing style, which provides a nod towards modern literature. Even though Hemingway passed away 59 years ago, the novel continues to receive high praise.

The novel's significance is subjective and can vary depending on the reader's interpretation. If you can understand the message embedded within the story, then there is no reason to ignore its importance. It may leave readers contemplating Santiago's struggle and questioning why an elderly and lonely man must strive to battle the unforgiving sea. Or perhaps readers may analyze the variables that led Hemingway to choose the title, The Old Man and the Sea.

Regardless, the important thing is to enjoy the literary work. If you understand the lessons or morals conveyed, then you can take inspiration from Santiago's character and apply it to your life. It teaches the value of not fearing old age, and how to persevere in the face of adversity, much like how Santiago did in the novel.

Overall, it is hoped that readers can appreciate the literary work of Hemingway and extract valuable moral lessons to apply to their own lives.

Reducing Democracy and the Dangers of Authoritarian Leaders

Judul buku      : Bagaimana Demokrasi Mati

Penulis            : Steven Levitsky & Daniel Ziblatt

Penerbit           : PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama

Tahun terbit    : 2019

Penerjemah     : Zia Anshor

Democracy is a popular system of government throughout the world. Many countries venerate this system because it provides individuals or groups with the freedom to voice their opinions. Democracy allows people to unite against authoritarian leaders who limit their freedoms.

However, authoritarianism is a threat to democracy. Authoritarian leaders try to gradually limit people's freedoms, especially freedom of expression, assembly, debate, consensus-building, and opinion intervention. A new pattern of authoritarianism arises by issuing a new constitution designed to silence voices considered disruptive to the leader. The use of state law enforcement tools will also support the implementation of the new constitution. This pattern is very subtle but dangerous because it can kill democracy.

We cannot detect if someone has the potential to become an authoritarian leader until they are elected and in power. However, this book provides four signs that can help identify the characteristics of someone who has the potential to become an authoritarian leader in the future. First, rejecting the rules of democratic play. Second, denying the legitimacy of opponents. Third, tolerating or even encouraging violence. And fourth, restricting civil liberties, including the media. If someone has one of these characteristics, they already have an authoritarian spirit.

However, the question is, will democracy die if led by an authoritarian figure? The answer is clear, yes. The death of democracy begins with subtle indications such as denying voices or violating the constitution. If there are demonstrations and the government stifles the voices of the demonstrators, this will lead to the death of democracy. Therefore, we must be vigilant and pay attention to signs that indicate the emergence of authoritarian leaders to keep democracy alive.

This book explains how democracy can be threatened to the point of death. An example of this is seen in the United States, which is considered the oldest democracy in the world. One real example was when Donald Trump was elected as President in 2016. He is a very popular and populist leader. One characteristic of populist leaders is that they always reject the legitimacy of established political parties and often attack the opposing party for being undemocratic and unpatriotic. Trump claimed that the people's vote had been stolen and built public opinion that democracy in the United States had been hijacked by political elites.

Political parties play an important role in maintaining a country's democracy. If political parties are not able to maintain democracy, authoritarian leaders will emerge in the future. However, this task is not an easy one as there is a risk of the party losing support from voters in elections.

Politics in Our Country: The Need for Real Leaders Who Care About the People

 Hi, friends! I want to talk a little bit about politics in our country that is causing a stir. Many individuals claim to be heroes of the people and to defend justice, but are they really looking after the interests of the people or their own interests?

Me and thousands of others watch this power struggle drama from the sidelines. And often we feel frustrated and disappointed because there are no concrete outcomes. Politicians are busy fighting for positions and showcasing their power without thinking about the real quality and results that will benefit the people.

But, as good citizens, we should not just remain silent. We must have rights and demands that are in line with what we pay for. Those who hold positions of power must work in a tangible way and not just talk empty promises. We must also be critical in choosing our leaders, not just tempted by sweet promises without any real proof.

Although sometimes we are fed up with politics and feel tired of talking about it again and again, we must not give up. We must continue to fight for our rights as citizens. Let's build a better country together by choosing leaders who really care about the people.

So, friends, let's become a part of the change we want. We should not just be spectators in the backseat, but actively fight for our rights as citizens. Warm greetings from the sidelines!

Just Keep Fighting' by Fika Mario - A Motivating Read for Overcoming Life's Obstacles

 Hi there! I have a great book recommendation for you who are feeling down and struggling with life. It's called "Just Keep Fighting" written by Fika Mario. This book talks about the struggles of life which are definitely not easy, but with courage and self-confidence, we can change our lives for the better.

Fika Mario also gives great tips on how to deal with failures and life's obstacles. She emphasizes that every struggle will produce beautiful results, even if it takes a long time. In addition, Fika also underlines the importance of being grateful to oneself and stopping listening to the opinions of others that may doubt us.

What I like about this book is its easily understandable language and the illustrated pictures that make the reading experience not boring. It's suitable for young people who need motivation to keep fighting and pursuing their dreams. So, if you're feeling down and discouraged, try reading this book "Just Keep Fighting"!