ACADSTAFF UGM
| Title | : | The Politics of Moderate Islam in Indonesia: Between International Pressure and Domestic Contestations |
| Author | : |
Rizky Alif Alvian, S.IP., MIR. (1) Muhammad Irfan Ardhani, S.I.P., MIR (2) |
| Date | : | 2 2023 |
| Keyword | : | moderate Islam; Islamism; nationalism; Indonesia moderate Islam; Islamism; nationalism; Indonesia |
| Abstract | : | This article focuses on understanding the manner through which Muslim-majority countries adapt the discourse of moderate Islam to their political circumstances. Using Indonesia’s experience as a case study, the article argues that decisions whether to apply the discourse in domestic politics are influenced by countries’ respective political configurations. In Indonesia’s context, political leaders’ unwillingness and inability to confront the Islamists are crucial factors that limited the influence of moderation discourse in former Presidents Megawati’s and Yudhoyono’s reign. During that period, the presidents used the discourse mainly to signal the international community that Indonesia did not align itself with the transnational network of terrorism. In contrast with his predecessors, President Widodo is willing to use the discourse to undermine the influence of the Islamists, thereby neutralising their challenges and cementing his political power. Moreover, this article demonstrates that the content of the discourse of moderation is indeterminate. Although the concept is usually associated with positive democratic attitudes, Widodo’s emphasis on support for national unity in his definition of moderation shows that actors are able to appropriate the concept and adjust them to their particular political needs. |
| Group of Knowledge | : | Ilmu Sosial dan Politik |
| Original Language | : | English |
| Level | : | Internasional |
| Status | : |
Published
|