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Miranti Rohmanda, University of Indonesia, IndonesiaAbstract
This article examines the strategies of hadrah group leaders in disseminating sholawat concert models in Indonesia via digital media, focusing on three central figures based on their popularity and most high followers in digital media: Habib Syech bin Abdul Qodir Assegaf (Ahbaabul Musthofa), Habib Ali Zainal Abidin Assegaf (Az-Zahir), and KH. Hafidzul Hakim Noer (Syubbanul Muslimin). Utilizing content analysis and theories of self-presentation and mediatization, the study identifies three primary strategies employed by these leaders to expand their religious influence. First, leaders utilize Instagram for self-presentation, employing consistent visual patterns—specifically signature close-up shots in religious attire—to cultivate a charismatic “idol image” and maintain a symbolic distance that fosters “idol worship” among followers. Second, they establish stage stardom through YouTube live broadcasts, positioning themselves as “religious superstars” within professionally managed, high-production concert environments that attract massive digital fandoms. Third, consistency is reinforced through weekly regular assemblies (rutinan), which are broadcast online to solidify their status as stable religious authorities.The research concludes that sholawat concerts have transitioned from traditional pesantren spaces into a contemporary Islamic culture industry driven by the logic of social media. By blending traditional spiritual values with celebrity performance and digital aesthetics, these leaders create a form of “networked religion” where spiritual authority is negotiated through intense visual interaction, making them strategic actors in Indonesia's modern religious ecosystem.
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Conference: ACCS2026Stream: Cultural Studies
This paper is part of the ACCS2026 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Rohmanda M. (2026) Hadrah Group Leader Strategy in Disseminating the Selawat Concert Model in Indonesia Through Digital Media ISSN: 2187-4751 – The Asian Conference on Cultural Studies 2026: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 369-379) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2187-4751.2026.30
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2187-4751.2026.30
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