Communication Strategy Through Patience To Boost Patriotism Spirit: Response Of Environmentalist Student Organization (Mapala) To Reject Radicalism On Campus

Abstract

Previous research has explored the potential for radicalism among students in Indonesia. However, on the other hand, several untapped potentials exist in universities in rejecting radicalism from infiltrating campus life. The motives behind radical movements are antithetical to political greed, economic interests, power, and the arrogance of civilization, often involving students in achieving their political goals. Kindness and patience are needed in addressing the issue of radicalism among students. This research focuses on the study of the patience strategy and the rejection of radicalism by Mapala students concerning: a) student radicalism, b) religious radicalism (Islam), c) ideological radicalism (Pancasila), with their respective cases. Mapala, as an intra-campus student organization, has introduced a new approach by not countering radical groups with the same extremist and radical attitudes. Instead, they reject radicalism through tangible actions that promote patriotism. The research problem is how the communication strategy of patience to boost patriotism spirit is enacted by Mapala student organization in rejecting radicalism. The research method used is qualitative descriptive. The researcher conducted a literature review using Google search and the Scopus.com application with keywords including Mapala and Radicalism. The research findings are as follows: A. Student Radicalism; Mapala's communication strategy involves using patience to promote the importance of environmental conservation as part of faith. B. Religious Radicalism; Mapala's communication approach involves practicing patience by avoiding direct involvement in practical politics to prevent divisions and promoting universal ethical values, multiple intelligences, humanism, pro-ecology, patriotism, and anti-racism. C. Ideological Radicalism; Mapala's communication strategy involves patience through integrating the ethical code of Mapala members with the Pancasila ideology.