Symbolic opposition by religious organizations to global diplomatic policies: a case study of Indonesia’s membership on the board of peace
Authors
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Gilbert Josh
State University of Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Author
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Rizky Trisna Putri, S.P., M.Si.
State University of Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Author
- Christine Quenga Capiz State University, Roxas City, Philippines Author
Keywords:
Symbolic Opposition, Religious Organizations, Global Diplomacy, Critical Discourse, Political LegitimacyAbstract
The controversy surrounding Indonesia’s membership in the Board of Peace in early 2026 has created tension between the government’s global diplomatic strategy and the critical response of religious civil society organizations, driven by transnational solidarity regarding the Palestinian issue. This study aims to analyze how the symbolic opposition of religious civil society organizations is constructed as a form of pressure on the state’s foreign policy. The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach using Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis model to analyze coverage in national online media. The findings indicate that the media serves as a discursive arena that not only represents state policy but also channels narratives of opposition grounded in moral and religious identity. This symbolic opposition has proven capable of shaping public opinion and generating domestic pressure on the government. These findings confirm that global diplomatic policy is not entirely technocratic but is influenced by social legitimacy constructed through public discourse. Practically, this study highlights the importance of communication strategies and sensitivity to domestic social dynamics in the formulation of foreign policy to ensure continued public support and maintain national political stability
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References
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