Identity and Cultural Politics: NU’s Existence in the Dynamics of Power in East Java

Authors

  • Adinda Gayatri Bintang Department of History Education, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya 60231, Indonesia
  • Alam Mahadika Department of Ethnopolitics, Institute of Social and Philosophical Sciences and Mass Communications, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
  • Shera Nabila Nurizky Arfiati Department of History Education, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya 60231, Indonesia
  • Mutia Pangestuti Department of History Education, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya 60231, Indonesia
  • Aisyah Aulia Rahma Department of History Education, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya 60231, Indonesia
  • Evi Puspita Sari Department of History Education, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya 60231, Indonesia

Keywords:

Nahdlatul Ulama, Identity Politics, Local Power, Cultural, East Java

Abstract

This study examines the existence of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in the dynamics of power in East Java using an identity and cultural politics approach while also examining the strategies used in establishing power relations at the local level. In the context of local politics, NU has strength from the cultural base of Islamic boarding schools, the network of ulama, and historical closeness to the grassroots community, making it an important actor in various regional political contestations. Using qualitative methods based on literature studies and documentation, this study analyzes how NU's cultural strength is mobilized to form strategic alliances with other political actors through formal and informal channels. Thus, NU's existence in East Java reflects cultural and spiritual strength and the ability to read and manage power dynamics at the local level.

References

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Published

2025-06-17

How to Cite

Bintang, A. G., Alam Mahadika, Arfiati, S. N. N., Pangestuti, M., Rahma, A. A., & Sari, E. P. (2025). Identity and Cultural Politics: NU’s Existence in the Dynamics of Power in East Java. Journal of Political Islam, 1(1). Retrieved from https://journal.unesa.ac.id/index.php/jopi/article/view/41628
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