Public Chaos: Alleged Fatwa on Boycotting and the Fear of Missing Out on Israeli Products in Indonesia

Abstract

The following text presents a synopsis of the abstract. As the conflict between Israel and Palestine intensifies, the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) has issued a fatwa that has generated controversy in various mass media, particularly on social media platforms. The objective of this study is to examine whether the "fatwa" issued by the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) constitutes a legitimate threat against Israeli products or a misinterpretation of the fatwa within the community. The research method employed is qualitative, with a descriptive-analytical approach. The secondary data set comprises social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, as well as websites relevant to the author's research. The primary data was obtained through interviews with various stakeholders, including consumers, MUI members, pro-Palestinian activists, and digital communication experts. The results indicated that misinterpretations of the fatwa led to public disorder, characterized by ambiguity in public perception, social pressures encouraging boycott conformity, and exacerbated consumer confusion due to digital misinformation. This research highlights the importance of religious literacy and the need to establish information authority within the digital landscape. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.