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Article published In:
Language and Islam in the Asian Pacific
Edited by Ali H. Al-Hoorie
[Journal of Asian Pacific Communication 32:2] 2022
► pp. 254–271

The role of Ulama (Islamic religious leaders) in countering anti-vaccination rhetoric in Indonesia

| School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung
| Padjadjaran University

Indonesia has been facing a serious threat from fake news and hate speech which is wildly disseminated through social media. As the largest Muslim-majority country in the world, health issues and their link to religion are one of the most discussed topics on social media in this country. The aim of this study is to introduce a strategy to counterbalance fake news on vaccine issues. This research employed a mixed-method approach that used content of analysis data obtained from social media monitoring. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants from various sectors related to vaccine issues. Monitoring of six female Facebook users in anti-vaccine groups revealed that the top five topics discussed in Indonesia were halal certification, conspiracy, adverse effects, adjuvants, and vaccine substitution. This research recommends a communication strategy to counterbalance fake news on the vaccine, employing both medical professionals and trusted, influential members of the religious community to educate the public. They should have a strong background in medical issues and understand Islamic perspectives. The involvement of Ulama (Islamic religious leaders) is important and needed to explain that vaccines do not violate religious law.

Keywords: fake information, Indonesia, Islamic religious leader, vaccine, Arabic in the Asia-Pacific
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Literature review
    • 2.1Hoax or fake news on health issues
    • 2.2 Ulama as key opinion leaders
    • 2.3Definitions of halal and haram
    • 2.4Religious perspectives
  • 3.The purpose of the study
  • 4.Method
    • 4.1Data collection
      • Social media monitoring analysis
      • Interviews
  • 5.Results
    • RQ 1.What is the content and key message used by anti-vaccine groups?
      • 1.Halal certification
      • 2.Industrial conspiracy
      • 3.Adverse effect
      • 4.Adjuvants
      • 5.Vaccine substitution
    • RQ 2.How is social media used by anti-vaccine groups for sharing fake information about vaccines?
    • RQ 3.What is the role of religious leaders to counterbalance fake news about vaccines?
  • 6.Discussion
  • 7.Conclusion
    • Limitation
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
Published online: 19 December 2019
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/japc.00038.ari
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