Auditorium Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta, SPs NEWS: The Graduate School of the State Islamic University (SPs UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held the 1623rd Doctoral Promotion Exam in the Auditorium Room of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 with promovendus Muhamad Ibtissam Han. Muhamad Ibtissam Han is a student of the Doctoral program in Islamic Studies with a concentration in Da'wah and Communication.

The dynamics of da'wah and religious authorities in Indonesia have entered a new chapter with the presence of the digital media phenomenon. In the midst of the invasion of new actors by religious authorities, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) showed its adaptation. This is the main focus of Muhamad Ibtissam Han's dissertation entitled "Reclaiming the Religious Public Space: Da'wah Activism of Nahdlatul Ulama Figures in New Media", which was successfully defended in the doctoral promotion exam at the Graduate School.

This dissertation captures how NU figures are trying to reclaim the religious public space that was once dominated by other parties. Ibtissam Han highlighted three key aspects: the adaptation of NU figures in digital da'wah, religious discourses built in response to the narratives of other groups, and the active role of NU's young generation in disseminating these discourses. This dissertation discusses NU's strategy in maintaining the authority of the ulema in the midst of technological disruption.

In his dissertation, Ibtissam Han combines literature and field research methods with a phenomenological qualitative approach. She chose NU figures from various categories, ranging from traditional scholars who transformed into  digital influencers, institutional leaders, progressive intellectuals, non-conventional grassroots dai, to NU female figures. In-depth interviews with NU figures, media teams, and young people, as well as online observation and discourse analysis of lectures and podcasts on social media, are the backbone of this research.

The results of Ibtissam Han's research show that NU figures have succeeded in maintaining and strengthening the authority of the ulema in the digital era. They make creative adaptations in da'wah strategies that utilize technology, but remain firm in the values of religious traditions. This proves that modernization does not have to erode the roots of tradition, but can be a bridge to reach a wider audience.

Furthermore, this dissertation reveals a common thread in the religious discourse developed by NU figures in new media. Issues such as bid'ah, amar ma'ruf nahi munkar, the caliphate, and gender equality were raised by emphasizing the complexity of religious problems. The main message that we want to convey is that religious issues cannot be understood or simplified instantly, but rather require a deep and contextual understanding.

One of the most significant findings is the irreplaceable role of NU young people. They are not just passive audiences, but co-laborers or active partners in articulating work that builds religious authority in digital media. Without their involvement, the religious discourse spread by NU figures would not be widespread. This shows that the young generation of NU is actively "hacking" the logic of social media platforms through various articulatory works, while reproducing the scientific structure of Aswaja.

Muhamad Ibtissam Han's dissertation has made a significant contribution to the discourse of religious authorities in new media. The presence of NU kiai in the new media is not only a form of existence rooted in the real world, but also an effort  to reclaim the authority that was once controlled by new actors. This confirms that despite the fragmentation of access to religious information due to new media, the clerical authorities have survived through a process of intelligent adaptation and the active participation of the younger generation.

Muhamad Ibtissam Han successfully defended his dissertation under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Zulkifli, MA, Prof. Jajang Jahroni, MA, Ph.D and Prof. Arif Zamhari, M.Ag, Ph.D, and was tested in front of a board of examiners consisting of Prof. Dr. Zulkifli, MA, Prof. Jajang Jahroni, MA, Ph.D, Prof. Dr. Jajat Burhanudin, MA, Prof. Dr. Hamid Nasuki, M.Ag and Prof. Dr. Asmawi,  M.Ag.

After paying attention to the writing of the dissertation, the comments of the examiner team and the answers of the promovendus, the examiner team determined that Muhamad Ibtissam Han was declared to have graduated with the title of Very Satisfactory and became the 1623rd Doctor in the field of Islamic Studies at the Graduate School of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.(JA)