Interpersonal Communication Patterns of Muhammadiyah Families in Realized Political Participation in The 2024 Election

Abstract

The younger generation of Muhammadiyah was once sluggish in political participation. However, Muhammadiyah, as a large mass organisation, firmly gave its members the freedom to affiliate with certain party institutions and also helped pave the way for social mobility towards political power. Thus, Muhammadiyah's position is one of active neutrality, as evidenced by the opinion of Haidar Nashir (General Chairman) ahead of Muhammadiyah's grand event in 2024. Muhammadiyah must be more active in voicing political civility by utilising various media and forums, including digital platforms. The younger generation of Muhammadiyah needs to receive support from their families to encourage their political participation in the 2024 election, so as not to be trapped in abstention and apathy. This study aims to describe the communication patterns of Muhammadiyah families in their involvement in the 2024 Election. This type of research is descriptive qualitative, with data collection in the form of in-depth interviews with six pairs of parents and children of Muhammadiyah activist families. Democratic, circular, and star-shaped patterns characterise the communication patterns developed by activist informants. An open attitude between parents and children characterises democracy. The goal of politics in Muhammadiyah is amar ma'ruf nahi munkar, which is implemented in several ways such as: a) Muhammadiyah members must choose candidates, may not abstain from voting, b) not forcing their choices on children or other family members, c) leading to Muhammadiyah values, d) using the behavior of the Prophet Muhammad SAW as a reference in politics, e) developing responsible freedom, f) freeing expression in politics g) mutually respecting differences of opinion, and h ) developing discussions in reaching agreement. Several factors influencing the implementation of activist communication patterns with families include internalisation of organisational values in Muhammadiyah, organisational commitment, political awareness as citizens, the example of the Prophet Muhammad, the concept of muamalah in Islam, and the concept of the sakinah family declared by Aisyah (an autonomous women's organisation under the Muhammadiyah organisation). Muhammadiyah has proven successful in socialising democratic values in the context of modern Muslim families, where religious traditions and democratic practices can coexist harmoniously.