Digital Public Sphere and Political Participation: Muhammadiyah Cadres in Surakarta

Haryono Wahyudiyanto; Pawito Pawito; Mahendra Wijaya

doi:10.55927/eajmr.v4i6.190

Authors

Haryono Wahyudiyanto Universitas Sebelas Maret
Pawito Pawito Universitas Sebelas Maret
Mahendra Wijaya Universitas Sebelas Maret

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v4i6.190

Keywords:

Digital Democracy, Public Sphere, Muhammadiyah, Political Participation, Digital Literacy

Abstract

This study explores the transformation of democracy in the digital public sphere through the political participation of Muhammadiyah cadres in Surakarta. Using a qualitative method, data were collected from 22 participants through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and document analysis from January to March 2025. The study identified three dimensions of political participation: discursive (data-based content production), mobilizational (digital movement coordination), and educational (digital literacy initiatives). The findings reveal that digital platforms enable inclusive and dynamic political discourse, reshaping democratic engagement with progressive Islamic values. This study contributes to the theory of digital democracy and offers practical implications for religious organizations to strengthen civic engagement and counter misinformation in the digital age

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