Information Technology and Social Media in the Delivery of Islamic Intolerant Beliefs in Indonesia

The practice of religious intolerance grew stronger at the transition of the New Order era into the Reformation era in Indonesia. At the time of the New Order, the government’s authoritarian practice meant that Muslims were apprehensive to practice their religion openly. On the other hand, in the Reformation era, with the granting of freedom for citizens to express their beliefs, Muslims have gained the courage and inclination to create intolerant practices and beliefs arising from Islam. The advances in information technology have further strengthened the presence of Islamic intolerance movements in public life. Through social media, the teachings and ideas of Islamic intolerance are disseminated, hence constructing religious identities. Advances in information technology are used to reinforce intolerant religious narratives and information technology is an important factor in mobilizing people in religious activities or rallies. This study aimed to understand and observe the progress of technology as a crucial factor in the creation of intolerant religious construction. This study utilized literature in the data collection. This study concluded that the progress of information technology has become an important factor in strengthening the influence of Islamic intolerant beliefs and movements in Indonesia