Understanding Muslim Uyghur in Xinjiang: A Path-Dependent Analysis

Agus Syarifudin Efendi — 2026-06-02

This article explores why the Chinese government has implemented repressive policies against Muslim Uyghurs. It focuses on the socio-political tensions between local groups and state authority in Xinjiang. Before the 1980s, Uyghurs enjoyed relative tolerance under the Communist regime. The collapse of the USSR sparked ethnic nationalism across Central Asia, fueling popular desires for independence in Xinjiang and leading to political conflicts. Because Muslim Uyghurs frequently participated in social unrest, Chinese authorities linked separatist and terrorist activities to Islam. Under the guise of a war on terrorism, the government used this narrative to justify oppressive actions against Uyghurs. However, Xinjiang's structural issues, such as social exclusion, economic inequality, and discrimination, contribute to the worsening of inter-ethnic tensions. To address this deep-rooted conflict and maintain social stability in Xinjiang, the central authority decides to reshape the identity of the Muslim Uyghurs. The establishment of re-education camps marks the apex of a historical process planned to erase Uyghur cultural identity and promote integration into a unified, majority-aligned national culture.

Beyond Political Branding: Political Silat as a Cultural Framework for Digital Leadership Communication

M. Anas Fakhruddin — 2026-06-30

This article examines Prabowo Subianto’s political strategy as represented through the Total Politik YouTube channel by analyzing the construction of political imagery and soft power practices within the framework of “political silat.” In the context of Indonesia’s evolving digital democracy, political legitimacy is increasingly shaped not only through institutional mechanisms but also through the ability to construct narratives, symbols, and public representations across digital platforms. This research employs a qualitative approach utilizing content analysis and political discourse analysis to investigate how Prabowo’s political identity is produced and communicated through digital media. The data were derived from three major episodes of the Total Politik YouTube channel that extensively addressed Prabowo’s political strategies and maneuvers during the 2024–2025 period. The findings indicate that Prabowo’s political image is constructed through three interconnected dimensions: power reconciliation, cultural symbolism, and the moral discourse of nationalism. These dimensions illustrate a strategic transformation from a predominantly confrontational political orientation toward a soft power approach emphasizing negotiation, adaptability, and symbolic legitimacy. The study argues that “political silat” represents a culturally embedded model of power communication that combines firmness and flexibility in managing political relations. This research contributes to broader discussions on political communication, digital media, and the role of local cultural frameworks in understanding contemporary leadership strategies within democratic societies.

The Sunan Ampel Review of Political and Social Sciences

Understanding Muslim Uyghur in Xinjiang: A Path-Dependent Analysis

Beyond Political Branding: Political Silat as a Cultural Framework for Digital Leadership Communication