When Symbols Deceive
In an era where perception moves faster than truth, a single symbol can both elevate and destroy. Turbans, robes, the term ‘kiai’, or the name ‘pesantren’ are often trusted without clear tabayyun.
When symbols are misused, the damage extends beyond individuals, harming public trust in traditions of knowledge, etiquette, and morality built over decades or centuries. This is where the greatest danger begins: society gradually loses the ability to distinguish between noble values and symbolic falsehoods.
In communication theory, terms like one-step and two-step communication, or one-way and two-way communication, are known. However, today, most people receive information through social media, electronic media, and mass media.
As a result, many learn of events only through what they read, hear, or repeatedly share, not through direct observation, in-depth research, or adequate verification. Depth of understanding often stops at the surface of information, while opinions form much faster than the pursuit of complete facts.
Pesantren, Stigma, and the Public Literacy Crisis
When an indecent case involving someone with religious attributes occurs, terms like ‘kiai’, ‘ustadz’, or ‘pondok pesantren’ are dragged into public discourse without caution. Such repetitions slowly create the impression that pesantren are synonymous with moral deviance. Yet many cases actually occur in places far from genuine pesantren traditions: secluded retreats, spiritual practices without sanad, or groups using religious symbols for social legitimacy. Here, society often gets trapped by symbols but fails to read the substance.
Mistakenly conflating pesantren with religious fronts breeds widespread stigma. Pesantren are suspected, kiai are tarnished, and santri bear prejudice. Yet the majority of pesantren in Indonesia have long been spaces for moral education, etiquette preservation, and societal moral strengthening.
In Nusantara’s Islamic tradition, kiai is more than a social title. Honour arises from a long process: learning knowledge with clear sanad, serving teachers, practising simplicity, and maintaining ethics as an amanah. Thus, the prestige of pesantren is built not on symbols, but on scholarly integrity and exemplary living.
The Era of Rapid Perception
Digital media development has changed how society perceives reality. Information moves rapidly, while the ability to scrutinise often lags behind. Many read without checking, then conclude without tabayyun. This phenomenon is exacerbated by declining social concern, weakened social control, and reduced public sensitivity to the importance of caution in receiving information.
Such conditions contribute to the decay of public morality and social etiquette. A single viral case can overshadow thousands of daily positive realities. Stories of kiai serving for decades selflessly, ustadz teaching with patience, or pesantren sheltering orphans and the destitute rarely gain traction. The simple life of pesantren is outpaced by sensational news.
However, many in society remain critical and mature in receiving information. They do not swallow news whole, hastily accuse, or jump to conclusions based on viral fragments. Some follow news developments fully, conduct tabayyun, and even visit the scene to uncover the truth. This is a positive sign of growing media literacy and social maturity in society.