As a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia has succeeded in maintaining harmony and tolerance between people of different religions. However, in recent times, we have witnessed an increase in the caliphate movement which threatens the integrity of the nation. Therefore, all parties are asked to always prevent the spread of the caliphate which has been rejected in many Muslim countries.
The administrator of the PBNU Human Resources Study and Development Institute (LAKPESDAM), M. Najih Arromadloni, said that the caliphate movement must be a serious concern for all groups. The downward trend in terror attacks should not forget the nation that the banned organization has apparently only “changed clothes” while still carrying the same propaganda substance. Therefore, counter-narratives need to be carried out in a measurable and massive manner to anticipate this “metamorphosis”.
In this increasingly advanced digital era, propaganda can easily spread through various social media platforms and websites like the content that exists today. One form of propaganda that must be wary of is caliphate propaganda aimed at the younger generation. The younger generation is the main target of this propaganda because they are very vulnerable to the influence of extremism and radicalization.
The content of the Khilafah is attractive to young people, because it contains cribs, things that are utopian, that are very difficult to achieve, things that are imaginary. Most of what is conveyed regarding the narrative of the rise of the caliphate is mostly fantasy. For example, the narrative is that everything related to the caliphate is ideal, even though that is not the case.
As a country with a Muslim majority, Indonesia has a long history of facing radical movements. One of the most well-known radical movements is the Khilafah movement which aims to establish an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. Even though this movement has been banned in Indonesia, Khilafah propaganda still exists and is active in trying to influence the younger generation.
Khilafah propaganda uses various strategies to influence the younger generation. One way is through the use of social media and websites. They use this platform to spread radical messages and influence the thinking of the younger generation. They also use lectures, seminars, and public events to spread their ideology to the younger generation.
One of the main goals of the Khilafah’s propaganda is to create a young generation who is influenced by their ideology. They want to change the thinking of the younger generation to support the Khilafah movement and fight for the establishment of an Islamic state. They try to exploit the younger generation’s dissatisfaction with the government and the existing political situation to gain their support.
Professor of Political Science at Muhammadiyah University Jakarta (UMJ), Prof. Sri Yunanto said that recently a pop-culture nuanced event appeared with the title “Metamorforshow: It’s Time to be Ummah” which was held at the Tanah Airku Theatre, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) on February 19 2024.
This activity is suspected to be full of propaganda for the establishment of the caliphate by the Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) group. Clandestine movements that have been carried out in any part of the world, the banning of HTI did not make its activists die. In fact, it can be seen together that through the event “Metamorforshow: It’s Time to be Ummah” they actually showed their efforts to attract the sympathy of the younger generation through fun event formats such as stand-up comedy and music concerts.
However, we must be wary of this Khilafah propaganda and protect the younger generation from its influence. One step we can take is to increase the younger generation’s understanding of the values of Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. We must teach them about the importance of diversity, tolerance, and unity in our society.
Apart from that, we also need to increase the younger generation’s understanding of the moderate and peaceful religion of Islam. We must teach them that religion should not be used as a tool to justify violence or impose their will on others. We must teach them the importance of respecting differences and peaceful coexistence.
The government also has an important role in guarding against Khilafah propaganda. They must tighten supervision of websites and social media accounts that spread Caliphate propaganda. They must also increase cooperation with educational and religious institutions to identify and address the potential for radicalization of the younger generation.
With cooperation between the government, society and educational institutions, we can protect the younger generation from the influence of extremism and radicalization. We must continue to increase their understanding of the values of Pancasila, moderate religion, and the importance of peaceful coexistence.
The young generation is a valuable asset for this nation. We must protect them and give them the opportunity to develop into individuals who are responsible, tolerant, and able to contribute positively to society. By being wary of Khilafah propaganda aimed at the younger generation, we can maintain the security and stability of our country and prevent conflicts that have the potential to harm us all.
Fighting caliphate propaganda is a shared responsibility. Self-awareness is the moral duty of all elements of the nation. By increasing digital literacy, being critical of information, involving the younger generation, and supporting the government’s efforts, we can guard against propaganda that denigrates its sanctity, namely caliphate propaganda that not only manipulates Islam but also threatens Indonesia.
