The Toba Batak tribe's cultural capital in the context of protecting Lake Toba from environmental threats

Background: The Batak Toba tribe predominantly inhabits the Lake Toba area. Lake Toba and the Batak Toba tribe have a strong, unchangeable connection. The historically valued traditions of the Batak Toba tribe have developed over generations due to their interactions with Lake Toba, although they now face the threat of obsolescence and discord. Ecosystem services and tourism attractions are mostly utilized for economic purposes, lacking regard for local wisdom or cultural significance. Consequently, various degradations and environmental damages are inflicted by human activities and company operations in the Lake Toba area. This study aims to explore and provide the distinct cultural values of the Batak Toba tribe to promote the future sustainability of Lake Toba's ecosystem services, including protection against environmental threats and degradation. Methods: The employed methodology involved literature research and content analysis, augmented with videos obtained from diverse YouTube channels. Findings: The cultural values of the Batak Toba tribe that foster the sustainability of Lake Toba's ecosystem services encompass aek do hangoluan, poda na lima, marsirimpa, mambongoti bagas, and numerous Batak Toba songs pertaining to Lake Toba, including O Tao Toba, Tano Toba, Tao Toba Nauli, HORAS!, and Pulo Samosir. The abundance and diversity of these cultural values are expected to provide knowledge, enhance awareness among future generations of the Batak Toba tribe, and motivate a culture-driven environmental restoration initiative focused on restoring and preserving the ecological services of Lake Toba. Conclusions: The study provides a significant ecological and cultural connection between the Batak Toba tribe and Lake Toba, dating back to the era of their ancestors. Consequently, it shall remain inseparable. Novelty/Originality of this article:  The novelty of this research lies in the exploration of Toba Batak cultural values as a local wisdom-based approach to maintaining the sustainability of Lake Toba ecosystem services

From static to social: Museum-date and the reimagining of urban museums in the disruption era

Background: This study addresses the shifting public perception of museums in the era of disruption, particularly among urban communities. One manifestation of this shift is the emergence of the museum-date phenomenon, in which museum visits are reimagined as interactive, experiential, and lifestyle-oriented activities. This study aims to investigate how this transformation reflects broader changes in how urban society engages with tourism and cultural institutions. Methods: A qualitative ethnographic method was applied to explore this phenomenon. Data collection involved direct observation, in-depth interviews with key and additional informants, and documentation techniques. Fieldwork was conducted at the National Museum of Indonesia and Lawang Sewu to gather insights into the practices and perceptions surrounding museum-dates in an urban context. Findings: Findings indicate that the disruption era has significantly influenced the dynamics of museum engagement. The concept of the museum-date is not only shaped by disruptive innovations—such as digital culture and social media—but also by a tension with conventional museum frameworks. Visitors are increasingly transforming their museum visits into personalized and performative experiences, reflecting broader changes in urban lifestyles and consumer behavior. The museum-date represents a repackaging of tourism experiences that aligns with the sensibilities of the digital and disruption-driven generation. Conclusion: The study concludes that the museum-date trend signifies a reconfiguration of museum functions in response to disruption-era influences, offering new potential for museums to remain culturally relevant and socially integrated in urban life. Novelty/Originality of this article: This article offers a novel contribution by examining the museum-date as a cultural response to the era of disruption, highlighting how innovation and social media have reshaped urban tourism and museum engagement in Indonesia. It provides a new lens to understand how urban society adapts cultural spaces to meet evolving social needs

Transcultural religious communication in the age of artificial intelligence: Ethical challenges and opportunities for global harmony

Background: The development of Artificial Intelligence has fundamentally transformed human communication patterns, including the practice of religious communication that is now taking place in a transcultural digital space. This research aims to critically examine the ethical challenges and opportunities arising from AI's involvement in cross-cultural religious communication. Previous studies have shown that AI is increasingly playing a role in facilitating interfaith dialogue and cross-border spiritual interaction, despite concerns about algorithmic bias, homogenization of spiritual meaning, and commodification of religious values. Methods: This study used a reflective qualitative method with a literature study and critical analysis approach. Data is systematically collected from the latest scientific publications, then analyzed thematically and hermeneutically to capture the complexity of transcultural religious interactions in the digital age. Finding: The results of the study show that AI, on the one hand, opens up opportunities to create spaces for inclusive, participatory, and reflective intercultural dialogue, but on the other hand poses significant ethical risks. These risks include narrowing religious interpretations due to algorithmic bias, loss of richness of local cultural meaning, and manipulation of religious narratives for the benefit of certain markets or ideologies. However, AI has great potential to become a strategic instrument in strengthening global religious harmony if developed and used based on the principles of communication ethics and transcultural awareness. This article recommends implementing strategies such as the development of algorithms that are accountable and adaptive to cultural diversity, strengthening community-based religious digital literacy, and implementing ethical audits of AI-based content. Conclusion: This study concludes that the use of AI in religious communication must be accompanied by close collaboration between technology developers, religious leaders, and academics to ensure that AI becomes a bridge of spiritual solidarity between cultures, not a source of polarization or cultural reduction. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this article lies in its comprehensive approach, which combines critical reflection on the ethical implications of AI with proposed practical strategies to encourage sustainable transcultural religious communication. This article contributes to enriching the discourse on digital ethics, cross-cultural communication, and the transformation of religiosity in an increasingly digitized global society

Natural resource management philosophy: Sustainability principles in forest area management local community-based

Background: The application of philosophy in natural resource management provides a solid foundation for making wise and sustainable decisions. Forests are a source of livelihood for people, especially in developing countries including Indonesia. Policies that favor the fulfillment of human needs without damaging the environment are based on the philosophy of environmental ethics and sustainability. Each country has different policies in managing forest areas, including involving local communities. Methods: This article analyzes community-based forest area management implemented by a number of countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Canada, and Mexico. This article also examines the application of the concept of collaboration and a stronger role of the private sector in other countries. The in-depth analysis in this article uses literature and case studies from Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Canada, the United States, and South Korea. Findings: The article's conclusion highlights that sustainable natural resource management hinges on applying philosophical principles, particularly environmental ethics and sustainability, to policy-making. It emphasizes that community involvement and robust governance are key to successful forest conservation efforts, as shown by various case studies and management models. Conclusion: Forest management is greatly influenced by the relationship between state capacity and social capital, in this case community participation. If the capacity of the state is weak, while social capital is weak, then the concept of community-based forest management can be carried out. Novelty/Originality: The rehabilitation of an area of 410 ha into rubber plantations managed by local residents has brought in new sources of income. From 2010 to 2017 the Gini coefficient of inequality decreased from 34.6% to 31.3%

Analysis of family economic education in fostering entrepreneurial spirit: A phenomenological study of beneficiary families with businesses

Background: This study aims to explore information on how family economic education influences the growth of entrepreneurial spirit among the beneficiaries of the Family Hope Program/Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) who own businesses in Tellulimpue District, Sidrap Regency. Methods: This research is a quantitative study with a descriptive quantitative approach. The subjects of this research are the PKH beneficiaries who own businesses. Data collection methods were conducted through interviews and observations. Findings: The results show that family economic education has been instilled by PKH beneficiaries who own businesses in Tellulimpue District. They do this by involving their children in business activities to foster discipline. Conclusion: Family economic education is capable of nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of PKH beneficiaries with businesses in Tellulimpue District because it motivates children to aspire to have their own businesses in the future through an entrepreneurial spirit. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this research lies in analyzing how family economic education among recipients of the Family Hope Program (PKH) contributes to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit not only for parents, but also for their children

The role and contributions of Indonesia's young generation through a national resilience perspective: Case study of the Nusantara capital area

Background: The Capital City of Nusantara (IKN) as the new center of Indonesia's government presents challenges and opportunities for the younger generation to maintain national resilience. Methods: This type of research is qualitative research. The author presents the research with descriptive scientific analysis, referring to literature and various reliable sources. The data sources used in this paper consist of various libraries, including related books, articles, and journals relevant to the discussion of the problem. Findings: The relocation of the capital is not only a physical move, but also has an impact on social, cultural, and economic interactions, and physical movement, but also has an impact on the social, cultural, and economic interactions of the community society. Conclusion: The results showed that the younger generation plays an important role in preventing various forms of threats to national resilience with a caring attitude towards social and environmental issues. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this research lies in its focus on the relocation of Indonesia's capital city and the impact of the move. This research highlights the impact of the move from the perspective of national resilience as well as culture and the role of the younger generation in the relocation of the nation's capital

Unraveling hegemony digital: A framework CDA-semiotic framework for sustainable social epistemic justice

Background: In an increasingly digitized world, religion and culture have transcended their traditional roles. They are now instruments of hegemony that shape—and often destroy—our collective perception of social sustainability. This research examines how digital media platforms, through algorithms and "echo chambers", perpetuate such "organized ignorance", a systemic erosion of critical thinking caused by structural pressures and ideological manipulation. This research is rooted in the philosophical principle of Enlightenment (Kant: "Sapere Aude") and the critique of epistemic passivity (Bonhoeffer, Nietzsche). The core argument is that digital ecosystems paradoxically democratize knowledge while simultaneously reinforcing cognitive conformity and threatening socio-cultural resilience. Method: Using a qualitative design, this study applies Teun van Dijk's Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Saussurean semiotics to deconstruct power-laden narratives in religious-cultural content on platforms such as YouTube. Primary data are taken from one of Ardhianzy’s videos on collective ignorance, and secondary metadata illustrate how algorithms reduce complex symbols (e.g., Kantian Enlightenment, Luther’s Reformation) into binary myths. This process legitimizes polarization and perpetuates epistemic injustice. Findings: The findings confirm the symbiotic role of algorithmic personalization and capitalist platforms in commercializing Enlightenment rhetoric. This fuels banality malorum (Arendt) through the normalization of misinformation and affective polarization. The research also identifies historical hegemonic mechanisms—such as colonial "enlightenment" missions and Nazi propaganda—that resurface in the digital context. This is reflected in Indonesia’s socio-political fragmentation, manifested through coordinated disinformation campaigns. Conclusion: This research recommends the integration of "algorithmic literacy" into SDG-based education, enhanced regulatory transparency (e.g., the EU Digital Services Act), and the development of virtue ethics-based platforms to restore intellectual autonomy. By synthesizing CDA, semiotics, and moral philosophy, the study maps hidden power structures in digital narratives and proposes actionable strategies. Novelty/Originality of this Article: This methodological synthesis of CDA, semiotics, and moral philosophy represents a novelty not present in previous unidisciplinary studies. Theoretically, this research bridges Kantian Enlightenment with contemporary critiques of digital hegemony

SETAPAK: Revealing paths toward communal success through incubation of local heroes

Background: Jatinangor, known for institutions like Universitas Padjadjaran and Institut Teknologi Bandung, faces significant socio-economic disparity. Many underprivileged locals lack access to nearby educational opportunities. This perpetuates inequality and hinders development. The study proposes SETAPAK (Sekolah Terampil Kerja), a program empowering residents through education, mentorship, and leadership training. By linking local resources with innovative solutions, it fosters local leaders for communal success. Recommendations include policies, community engagement strategies, and future research for sustainable impact. Methods: The author expanded on their work using secondary data literature review and innovation based method of solution. Findings: The SETAPAK program focuses on empowering local leaders to address educational inequality and foster sustainable development in Jatinangor by cultivating a growth mindset and providing community-driven solutions. The initiative highlights the transformative potential of education and community empowerment to close socioeconomic gaps and inspire hope for a brighter future. Conclusion: SETAPAK demonstrates a transformative approach to addressing educational inequality and fostering sustainable development by empowering local leaders and cultivating a growth mindset. By bridging gaps in access to education and inspiring community-driven solutions, SETAPAK has the potential to create lasting change in Jatinangor and serve as a model for empowering other regions across Indonesia. Novelty/Originality of this article: This article uniquely highlights a community-driven approach to addressing educational inequality by empowering local leaders and integrating personal narratives to showcase the transformative impact of programs like SETAPAK

From crisis to resilience: Empowering communities through food security programs during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: This study discusses community empowerment activities for communities affected by the Covid-19 pandemic through the food security program in the Tenjo Village by the Human Initiative. The research approach used is a qualitative research approach with descriptive research type with a research period from October 2020 to July 2021. This study will also examine whether there are differences in the stages of community empowerment carried out before and after the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, this study will also examine the obstacles in implementing community empowerment during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Tenjo Village food security program. Methods: The data sources used were obtained through in-depth interviews, observation and documentation studies involving seven informants. Findings: The results showed that there were four stages of empowerment held in the program, including the planning, preparation, program implementation, and activity evaluation monitoring stages. During implementation program, there are several inhibiting factors that can be classified based on organizational aspect, networking aspect, community aspect, and external aspect. To overcome the obstacles from those various aspects, efforts are made to minimize the impact of those obstacles. Conclusion: The results of the analysis show that the stages of empowerment held in the Tenjo Village food security program are in accordance with the seven stages of community development. In addition, the obstacles that occur during program implementation are in accordance with the obstacles in the community development stage. Meanwhile, the efforts made to overcome these obstacles can be done with a description in the evaluation of the process and the results of the changes.  Novelty/Originality of this article: This research not only describes the stages of empowerment carried out, but also analyzes the differences in the stages of community empowerment before and after the pandemic. The focus on change and adaptation at this stage is an aspect that has not been widely explored in community empowerment research during times of crisis

The buying and selling of identity in the 2024 presidential debate: A cultural politics approach to media and hegemony

Background: This article discusses the attempt to establish hegemony in the 2024 presidential election through the presidential candidate debates. The presidential election is an important event in the transition of government in a democratic country. Presidential candidate debates are often seen merely as a campaign stage, but few view them as a medium for establishing hegemony, or as a marketplace where the identity products of presidential candidates are traded for voter loyalty. This study aims to explain how hegemony is established through the 2024 presidential candidate debates and how the identities of each candidate pair are traded for voter loyalty. Methods: This research was conducted by applying the theoretical framework of the “market for loyalties” as a method of analyzing the buying and selling of political products through the media. This study employs qualitative critical discourse analysis using the “market for loyalties” framework with data from debates, regulations, media, and campaign materials to examine identity construction and hegemony. Findings: This article indicate that hegemony is established through the ideologies and narratives brought by each candidate pair and their coalitions. The government plays a role in limiting the public's perspective on ideologies to only three presidential candidate pairs through presidential debates broadcast via mass media and digital media. These ideologies are reflected in the identities of each candidate pair; candidate pair 01 represents religious identity and change; 02 represents youth identity, loyalty to Jokowi, and continuity; 03 represents the identity of the PDIP (Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan) as the ruling party and incumbent. Conclusion: This study concludes that the 2024 presidential candidate debates function as a medium for constructing hegemony through the articulation of ideologies and identities exchanged for voter loyalty. Novelty/Originality of this article: This article lies in applying the “market for loyalties” framework to analyze presidential debates as arenas of hegemony formation rather than merely campaign platforms