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Indonesia Council Open Conference 2025
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**WITHDRAWN** The Da’wa They Call: Female Preachers' Religious Authority and Unusual Performance in Contemporary Rural Indonesia

Organised Panel

Organised Panel

One Conference streams

Cities and urban living

Submission Description

This study investigates the unconventional methods adopted by young female preachers in rural Indonesia, focusing on Ning Umi Laila, Ustadzah Nais Nurjannah, and Ustadzah Mumpuni Handayayekti. These preachers employ localized humor, unique performances, and their native dialects to communicate religious teachings, challenging traditional modes of Islamic preaching typically dominated by males. While social media has amplified their reach, face-to-face engagements remain central to their approach. The research examines the impact of their methods on audience engagement, the role of education and genealogical connections in legitimizing their authority, and the specific challenges posed by traditionalist societal expectations. By shedding light on female religious authority within rural contexts, this study explores the broader implications for gender roles, social change, and the evolving landscape of religious influence in Indonesian communities. 

Presenters