Strategy for Actualising Pancasila Values Through Gen Z's Creative Da'wah Content
In the Islamic perspective, the current presence of digital technology is like a double-edged sword, bringing both opportunities and significant challenges to the formation of national identity, integrity, and Islamic values among Generation Z. On one hand, digital media plays an important role as a broad platform for da’wah, facilitating religious learning and instilling Islamic values on a massive scale. On the other hand, the rapid flow of information in cyberspace also triggers serious challenges, such as the proliferation of content that does not align with Sharia, an instant culture, and the spread of hoaxes that can obscure the understanding of faith and erode the practice of Pancasila principles, nationalism, and patriotism among Generation Z due to unlimited exposure to scientific and technological progress and globalisation. Due to minimal digital literacy and self-control, Generation Z is highly vulnerable to moral decline and spiritual crises amidst the strong influence of social media.
The development of information technology has brought significant changes to interaction patterns and the practice of ideological and religious values, especially among Generation Z. Currently, Generation Z spends more time in the digital world through various social media platforms than participating in direct religious activities such as pengajian. The demands of school, university, work, and lifestyle changes mean that some young people are increasingly rarely attending religious study circles. Based on research findings, some of them consider conventional pengajian less engaging because the delivery is often one-way and less suited to the character of the digital generation, which prefers more dynamic interaction and communication.
Facing these various issues, a strategy is needed to change the behaviour of Generation Z so that they maintain a religious spirit grounded in nationalism. It is important to realise that digital technology is merely a tool, not a life goal, so individuals must still prioritise worship and strengthen spiritual relationships amidst the busyness of the virtual world. In the context of da’wah, the positive use of technology can be achieved by rebranding the method of delivering religious knowledge, utilising popular platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to disseminate engaging and educational content that is more easily accessible to Generation Z.
Preachers can create various forms of content, such as short videos, live streams, podcasts, vlogs, and digital-based religious learning, as effective means of conveying messages to Generation Z, who are familiar with technology and prefer visual and communicative content. For digital da’wah to be well received, preachers need to understand the characteristics of Generation Z as active social media users who are responsive to information that is creative, concise, and relevant to their lives. Through this creative, interactive, and contextual approach, religious values can be optimally conveyed and openly accepted by this digital generation.
Strengthening the values of ukhuwah Islamiyah (brotherhood among Muslims), ukhuwah insaniyah (brotherhood among all humans), and ukhuwah wathaniyah (national brotherhood) is key to maintaining tolerance and solidarity in Indonesia. Interfaith education and dialogue must continue to be developed as a solution to overcome radicalisation and social conflict. Through this integrity, da’wah content disseminated via TikTok should be able to strengthen national unity, rather than cause conflict or division. By utilising the interactive features available on social media, preachers can build a healthy culture of dialogue with their followers, creating a positive and educational discussion space.
Overall, the integration of religious values and Pancasila in creative digital content is a strategic step to preserve the nation’s identity in the hands of Generation Z. Although the two have different domains, religion and Pancasila are united by the same universal principle, namely a commitment to noble human values as God’s creatures. Through a wise, responsible, and innovative digital approach, these human values will remain alive in the nation’s conscience and relevant within Indonesia’s heterogeneous society. Thus, technology is no longer a threat, but an effective means to actualise the nation’s ideological and spiritual heritage in daily life for a harmonious future.