Dynamics of Cultural Identity Negotiation among Migrant Students in the Digital Era: A Case Study of Intercultural Communication at IIKNU and IAINU Tuban Campuses

This study aims to examine the dynamics of cultural identity negotiation among migrant students in the digital era, with a case study at the Nahdlatul Ulama Islamic Health Institute (IIKNU) and the Nahdlatul Ulama Islamic Institute (IAINU) Tuban. The phenomenon of migration has undergone significant transformation in the digital era, wherein individuals can maintain intensive connectivity with their communities of origin whilst simultaneously adapting to new cultural environments. This research seeks to understand how migrant students negotiate their cultural identities, how digital platforms influence these negotiation dynamics, and what patterns of identity negotiation predominantly emerge in both campuses, which are grounded in Aswaja Islamic values. The study employs a qualitative approach with an interpretative-constructivist paradigm. Four informants were purposively selected from various regions of origin (Madura, East Kalimantan, Timor-Leste, and Lombok) and underwent in-depth interviews and participant observation. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that migrant students experience culture shock in aspects of language, communication styles, and religious practices. Identity negotiation proceeds in an integrative manner, wherein students retain core elements of their original identity whilst adopting new environmental norms. Digital media serve two primary functions: WhatsApp for maintaining connections with the community of origin, and open social media for building relationships with the new environment. Aswaja NU values function as a meeting point for Muslim students, whilst humanitarian values and professional identity serve as alternative common ground for non-Muslim students. This study confirms Identity Negotiation Theory and Third Culture Building within the context of religiously-affiliated campuses in Indonesia.