Moving out of Islam on YouTube: Acehnese Christian Narratives, the Public Sphere, and Counterpublics in Indonesia

Ansor, Muhammad

Article Details

Moving out of Islam on YouTube: Acehnese Christian Narratives, the Public Sphere, and Counterpublics in Indonesia

Authors:

Ansor, Muhammad

Publisher:

Center for Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University

Main Topics:

Religion

Journal:

Studia Islamika Vol.31 Issue 3, pp.0-0

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2024

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001859664

pISSN:

0215-0492

Abstract:

 This study examines the public sphere and the formation of counterpublics based on the narratives of former Muslims from Aceh who converted to Christianity on YouTube. This study argues that in addition to strengthening the distinct attributes of Islamic identity in the public sphere, YouTube enables Acehnese former Muslims, as a subaltern community, to negotiate new social identities and share religious experiences after conversion. It also explores how Acehnese former Muslims challenge the dominant culture and restrictive regulations in Aceh, which perceive religious conversions as heresy and unlawful conduct. Data were collected using the digital ethnographic technique from four of the YouTube narratives of twelve Acehnese former Muslims who had converted to Christianity. The findings indicate that the online public sphere enhances the autonomy and their capacity to negotiate their Acehnese social identity, which is closely constructed with Islam. The presence of YouTube content thus contributes to strengthening the development of democracy and freedom of religious practice in Indonesia.

Article Details

Moving out of Islam on YouTube: Acehnese Christian Narratives, the Public Sphere, and Counterpublics in Indonesia

Authors: Ansor, Muhammad

Publisher: Center for Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University

Main Topics: Religion

Journal: Studia Islamika Vol.31 Issue 3, pp.0-0

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 1/2024

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001859664

pISSN: 0215-0492

Issues

Authors:

Ansor, Muhammad

Publisher:

Center for Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University

Main Topics:

Religion

Journal:

Studia Islamika Vol.31 Issue 3, pp.0-0

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2024

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001859664

pISSN:

0215-0492