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Religion and local culture: Pillars of social harmony in post-conflict Aceh Maimun; Suhendrayatna; Irwan Abdullah; Rusli Yusuf; Syamsulrizal; Sanusi; Irwan Putra; Gorkem Avci
Jurnal Civics: Media Kajian Kewarganegaraan Vol. 22 No. 2 (2025)
Publisher : Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21831/jc.v22i2.87874

Abstract

The prolonged conflict between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia has resulted in social disruption, collective trauma, and the weakening of community social structures. Although a peace agreement was reached through the 2005 Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding, the greatest post-conflict challenge lies in rebuilding trust, solidarity, and social harmony. An interesting phenomenon is the success of Acehnese society in achieving social stability through internal strengths, particularly a strong Islamic religious approach and deeply rooted local culture. This article aims to analyze the contribution of religious and local cultural approaches in fostering post-conflict social harmony in Aceh. This study is qualitative in nature, using a descriptive-interpretative approach. Data collection techniques included in-depth interviews, document analysis, and surveys. Key informants consisted of religious leaders (ulama), traditional leaders, former GAM combatants, women leaders, youth, and village officials located in former conflict-affected regions such as Pidie, North Aceh, and Bireuen. Data analysis employed a thematic approach through data reduction, categorization, interpretation of findings, and inductive conclusion drawing. The findings show that religious approaches, through the active roles of ulama, religious gatherings (majelis taklim), and Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), have been effective in restoring faith-based values and community social ethics. Meanwhile, local cultural elements such as peusijuek (traditional blessing rituals), gampong deliberations, and customary village institutions have served as effective means of social reconciliation, strengthening community ties and resolving horizontal conflicts. The synergy between religious values and local wisdom has formed a strong social system for maintaining peace and preventing future conflicts. In conclusion, religious and local cultural approaches have proven to be fundamental pillars in creating sustainable social harmony in post-conflict Aceh. This model can serve as a strategic reference for other conflict-affected regions seeking to build peace through local potential.
Negotiating Academic Priorities: Final-Year EFL Students’ Perceptions of Certification Requirements Octa Pratama Putra; Gorkem Avci; Rinda Riztya
STAIRS: English Language Education Journal Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): STAIRS: English Language Education Journal
Publisher : Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat dan Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris Fakultas Bahasa dan Seni Universitas Negeri Jakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21009/stairs.7.1.1

Abstract

While higher education institutions increasingly enforce external certification alongside undergraduate thesis requirements to boost graduate employability, this dual obligation often creates strategic and cognitive tensions for final-year EFL students. However, empirical insights into how students negotiate these competing academic priorities during their thesis preparation remain underexplored. This qualitative case study investigates final-year EFL students’ perceptions of additional certification requirements in relation to their preparation for thesis defence. The study involved eight undergraduate students from various higher education institutions in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically to explore students’ experiences and perspectives. The findings revealed two major themes. The first theme, Certification as Future Investment, indicated that most participants perceived certification as a valuable asset that enhanced their professional readiness, confidence, and competitiveness in the job market. The second theme, Cognitive Overload and Divided Focus, showed that a minority of participants experienced difficulties managing simultaneous academic demands, particularly due to the overlap between thesis preparation and certification requirements. The results suggest that students’ concerns were not directed at certification itself, but rather at the timing and implementation of the policy during the final stage of their studies. These findings contribute to English language education policy by highlighting the need to realign certification schedules with students’ academic phases while integrating student-centered pedagogical support in higher education.