Islamic Preachers and Political Communication in Indonesia: Religious Authority, Social Media, and Electoral Mobilization

Abstract

Islamic preachers with large social media audiences have become influential actors in Indonesian political communication. Their authority may shape political attitudes, perceptions of candidates, and interpretations of public issues, particularly among religiously engaged audiences. This article examines the political communication practices of Indonesian Islamic preachers on social media. Using qualitative discourse analysis, the study investigates religious messaging, political references, audience engagement, and electoral mobilization. The article argues that social media has transformed religious authority by enabling preachers to communicate directly with large audiences without relying on traditional religious institutions or mass media. This creates new opportunities for civic education but also raises questions concerning political neutrality, misinformation, polarization, and the commercialization of religious influence. The study proposes a framework distinguishing religious political education from direct electoral mobilization. It concludes that Islamic preachers have become significant actors within Indonesia's hybrid political communication environment and that their role should be examined at the intersection of religion, media, democracy, and political participation.