MIQOT: Jurnal Ilmu-ilmu Keislaman
Vol 49, No 1 (2025)

CYBER-ISLAMIC MODERATION IN INDONESIA: Digital Activism of Islami.co and IBTimes.id and Its Implications for Young Muslims

Mahzumi, Fikri (UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya)
Aminuddin, Ahmad (Universitas Kiai Abdullah Faqih Gresik)
Mahfudh, Hasan (UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya)
Mujibuddin SM, M. (UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 May 2025

Abstract

The digital sphere in Indonesia has evolved into a contested domain for divergent religious ideologies, particularly between radical and moderate interpretations of Islam. Over recent decades, religious radicalism has predominantly shaped the online narrative. However, the emergence of digital activism among younger generations affiliated with Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah has led to strategic attempts at counter-narratives that emphasize religious moderation. This study investigates the role of two influential Islamic digital platforms—Islami.co and IBTimes.id—in promoting moderate Islamic discourse and shaping the religious perceptions of young Indonesian Muslims. Utilizing a mixed-methods and netnographic approach, the research integrates survey data collected from 110 university students in East Java with in-depth interviews conducted with media activists and selected platform users. The findings indicate that Islami.co and IBTimes.id are actively involved in constructing and disseminating narratives that promote Islamic moderation through curated content, strategic communication, and mission-driven digital activism. This role positions them as ideological counterbalances to radical religious narratives. The study concludes that digital media serves as a crucial platform for contemporary religious discourse and significantly influences the Islamic worldview of Indonesian Muslim youth, highlighting the importance of digital activism in promoting moderate religious values.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

MIQOT

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities

Description

MIQOT: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Keislaman is a peer reviewed academic journal, established in 1976 as part of the State Islamic University of North Sumatra Medan (see: video), dedicated to the publication of scholarly articles in various branches of Islamic Studies, by which exchanges of ideas as research ...