Auditorium of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta, SPs NEWS - The Graduate School of the State Islamic University (SPs UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held the 1644th Doctoral Promotion Exam in the Auditorium Room of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta on Thursday, September 15, 2025 with the Sunardi promovendus.

Rizki is a student of the Doctoral program in Islamic Studies with a concentration in Anthropology and Sociology of Religion. Sunardi wrote a dissertation entitled "Shifting Understanding of Religion: A Study of LDII Socio-Religious Movements in Klaten Regency, Central Java"

This dissertation reveals a fundamental shift in the understanding of religion of the Indonesian Islamic Da'wah Institute (LDII). Sunardi's dissertation unpacks the internal and external dynamics that prompted LDII to adapt, shifting from an organization that was originally considered exclusive to more inclusive, a finding that has the potential to change the landscape of religious movement studies in Indonesia.

This research departs from the hypothesis that LDII, which has been known for its exclusive teachings, has undergone a significant transformation. Sunardi aims to analyze how this organization is able to shift to be more inclusive while still maintaining its distinctive identity. These findings are important because they show the flexibility of a religious movement in responding to the ever-changing social and religious environment.

Methodologically, Sunardi adopts a qualitative approach with an exploratory descriptive method. He combines a sociological perspective to analyze LDII's da'wah strategy and an ethnographic perspective to understand the social expression of his community. This combination provides an in-depth and comprehensive picture of the socio-religious life of the community in two villages in Klaten Regency: Gunung Gajah, Bayat District, and Sabrang Lor, Trucuk District.

To collect data, Sunardi used a combined technique consisting of literature review, field observation, and in-depth interviews. The key informants in this study come from various backgrounds, both from within LDII, such as the chairman of DPD II, DPC, and activists, as well as from external circles, including the Chairman of the Klaten Regency MUI, academics, scholars, and local government officials. This diversity of informants ensures the validity and objectivity of the research results.

Using the paradigm of social movement theory by McAdam, et al., this study identifies three main factors that are the backbone of the LDII movement strategy. The three are political opportunity , mobilizing structure , and framing process . Through a framing process that includes diagnosis, prognosis, and motivation, LDII successfully implements its da'wah strategy in an effective and structured manner.

One of the most prominent findings is the shift in the understanding of the religion of LDII from an exclusive paradigm rooted in the teachings of Darul Hadith to a more inclusive one. This shift is officially manifested through the implementation of the concept of "New Paradigm" contained in the Decree of the National Working Meeting Number: Kep-02/Rakernas/LDII/III/2007. These changes demonstrate the organization's commitment to adapt to social realities.

Interestingly, Sunardi also found that LDII applied two different da'wah methods, namely the radical way and the soft way. The use of this method is tailored to the context and audience, showing strategic intelligence in interacting with the community. This approach allows LDII to interact more effectively with mainstream Muslims in Klaten Regency.

Sociologically, the results of the study show that the majority of the people of Klaten today no longer have a problem with the presence of LDII. This is due to LDII's active role and participation in various social activities. This shift suggests that LDII's social integration at the grassroots level is doing well, although institutional legitimacy challenges remain.

However, the study also noted a gap between social acceptance and institutional legitimacy. Even though the wider community accepts LDII, MUI Klaten still considers the LDII problem to be unresolved and under development. This situation highlights the complexity of the relationship dynamics between religious organizations and formal religious institutions.

In addition, Sunardi found that the presence of LDII directly or indirectly contributes to the dynamics of the socio-cultural traditions of the Javanese Islamic community in Klaten. Practices that were originally syncretic now tend to become more Islamic, a process that can be called the Islamization of tradition. This shows that LDII not only changes internally, but also exerts a significant influence on the surrounding environment.

Academically, this dissertation contributes new theories that enrich the treasure of social movement studies. Sunardi argues that LDII can grow and develop because its strategy rests on the paradigm of social movement theory by McAdam, et al., with an emphasis on the framing process through the presence of a "New Paradigm".

These findings prove that a movement can shift to becoming more inclusive in the eyes of the public, while still maintaining its doctrinal coherence at the internal level.

It is hoped that the results of this research can be a new reference in the study of sociology and anthropology of religion. A deeper understanding of the religious character of society can foster mutual understanding, build dialogue, and encourage cooperation, so that a peaceful life can be realized in the midst of diversity. Sunardi's research is proof that academic studies are able to bridge differences and promote tolerance.

Sunardi successfully defended his dissertation under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Masri Mansoer, M.Ag, Prof. Dr. Ulfah Fajarini, M.Si 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. Dr. Masri Mansoer, M.Ag, Prof. Dr. Ulfah Fajarini, M.Si, Prof. Arif Zamhari, M.Ag, Ph.D, Prof. Dr. Jajat Burhanudin, MA, Prof. Dr. Media Zainul Bahri, MA and Dr. Lilik Ummi Kaltsum, MA.

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 Sunardi graduated with the title of Very Satisfactory. Sunardi is the 1644th Doctor in the field of Islamic Studies, in the doctoral program of the Graduate School of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. (JA)