Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026)

Editorial Comment

This issue of Jurnal Penelitian Ilmu-Ilmu Sosial (JPIIS) continues the journal’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary scholarship on contemporary social issues through diverse theoretical and methodological perspectives. The eight articles featured in this volume examine language, digital citizenship, democracy, religion, history, law, environmental sustainability, and ageing, highlighting the dynamic interactions between individuals, institutions, and society amid ongoing social transformation.

The opening article revisits the historical development of Bahasa Indonesia, offering a more comprehensive account of its evolution from Malay lingua franca to the national language. By emphasizing overlooked historical milestones, the study demonstrates that the formation of Bahasa Indonesia was shaped by both sociolinguistic development and nationalist political struggles.

Digital society emerges as a central theme in two contributions. One study demonstrates that critical thinking mediates the relationship between social media use and digital citizenship among prospective teachers, underscoring the importance of reflective digital literacy in higher education. Another analyzes the #BubarkanDPR discourse on the X platform, revealing how social media functions as a space for political resistance, ideological contestation, and the negotiation of democratic legitimacy.

Religious moderation is explored through the framework of maqāṣid al-sharī'ah, arguing for contextual interpretations of Islamic teachings that support peaceful coexistence within Indonesia's pluralistic society. Complementing this discussion, a phenomenological study of museum visits illustrates how experiential learning strengthens students' historical awareness, civic identity, and understanding of nationalism.

Legal and environmental perspectives further broaden this issue. A comparative analysis of incest regulations in Indonesia, Germany, and Yemen highlights how criminal law reflects differing moral, religious, and legal traditions. Meanwhile, a qualitative study of school-based waste bank initiatives demonstrates how environmental responsibility develops through active participation and inclusive sustainability education.

The final article examines the meaning of work among elderly informal workers in rural Indonesia. By revealing that work is interpreted differently according to family roles and social responsibilities, the study offers valuable insights into ageing, dignity, and economic vulnerability within contemporary society.

Collectively, the articles in Volume 7, Number 1 (2026) demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary perspectives in understanding complex social realities. By integrating historical, educational, sociological, legal, and cultural analyses, this issue reinforces JPIIS's mission to publish rigorous, socially relevant scholarship that contributes to academic discourse, public policy, and community development.