Ideological Shifts and Emerging Radicalism: Understanding Identity Contradictions Among Indonesian Madrasah Aliyah Students in East Java

Ahmad Subakir, Safii S

Abstract


This study investigates the relationship between ideological beliefs, perceptions of national ideology, and tendencies toward violence among students at Islamic senior high schools (Madrasah Aliyah) across East Java, Indonesia. The research addresses growing concerns over youth exposure to radical ideologies within educational and digital environments. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, data were collected through a validated questionnaire administered to 1,167 students selected by stratified random sampling from state and private schools across urban and rural areas. The instrument measured ideological orientation, religious tolerance, and justification of violence. Michel Foucault’s theory of knowledge and power provides the analytical framework to understand how ideological discourses from families, educators, religious authorities, and online sources influence students’ worldviews. The findings reveal a significant paradox: whereas 87.5 percent of students support Pancasila, the national ideology, and 12.5 percent favor religion-based ideologies such as the khilafah. Moreover, 21 percent endorse intolerant views that may lead to violent attitudes. This ideological ambivalence suggests a fragmentation of civic identity shaped by competing sources of influence. The study underscores the urgent need for integrative educational strategies involving parents, teachers, religious leaders, and digital literacy programs to prevent ideological radicalization and reinforce inclusive civic values among youth.

Keywords


Radicalism Preference, Radicalism in Islamic high School Aliyah, Islamic Studies, Intolerance

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21043/qijis.v12i2.28961

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