Strategies and Challenges of Islam Political Communication in the Digital Era : A Case Study of Nahdhatul Ulama (NU) in Bungo Regency

Dedi Syaputra (Universitas Islam Yasni Bungo)
M. Syukri Ismail (Universitas Islam Yasni Bungo)
Khusnul Al Rizqiyah (Universitas Islam Yasni Bungo)

AN-NABA : Islamic Communication Journal
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): (June 2026)

Islamic political communication in the digital era has undergone significant changes alongside the development of information technology and social media. Islamic figures, politicians, and religious leaders now utilize digital platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to disseminate political messages associated with Islamic values. Digital media has become not only a means of da'wah but also an effective tool for shaping public opinion, mass mobilization, and strengthening politically religion-based identity. This research specifically examines the practices of Islamic political communication carried out by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in Bungo District, Jambi Province, as an important representation of traditional Islamic organizations responding to the dynamics of digital politics. The focus is on the political communication strategies used by NU actors at the local level in leveraging digital media, the challenges they face, and the impact of their communication on the community and local political configuration.. This research also explores the dynamics of interaction between digital media and the NU audience, how social media algorithms influence the dissemination of Islam-based political messages, and to what extent the political communication conducted by NU Bungo Regency can shape the political behavior of the community in the region. Additionally, the analysis also includes positive impacts such as increased political participation of Nahdliyin citizens and easier access to political information, as well as negative impacts such as the potential for polarization and the spread of hoaxes. Through a qualitative approach and data analysis from various digital platforms used by NU Bungo, this research aims to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities of Islamic political communication in the digital era. This research aims to provide insights into the strategies and challenges of Islamic political communication in the digital era. The results of the study are expected to contribute to the development of more inclusive, effective, and ethical Islamic political communication strategies, especially for local Islamic organizations in facing the constantly changing political landscape.