RELIGIOUS MODERATION, ETHICS AND JUSTICE: SOCIO-HISTORICALCONSIDERATIONS

Summary

In the aftermath of his 2019 reelection, Indonesian President Joko Widodo introduced 'Wasat Islam' (Islamic moderation) as a political strategy to counter extremism and promote tolerance. Rooted in Quranic principles, Wasat Islam emphasizes justice and public morality. While it aims to foster national unity in Indonesia's pluralistic society, the state's involvement in defining religious moderation has sparked concerns about exclusion and ideological control. The concept raises important questions about balancing state intervention in religion and ensuring inclusive, progressive public ethics in a diverse society.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of 'wasat Islam' (Islamic moderation) was introduced by President Joko Widodo following his reelection in 2019, becoming a key element of Indonesian state policy.
• 😀 'Wasat Islam' was designed to promote religious moderation as a political and moral framework, focusing on national unity, tolerance, anti-violence, and respect for local traditions.
• 😀 The historical role of Islam in Indonesia has been significant, especially during the colonial era, where it served as a force of resistance against Western powers, laying the foundation for the nation's independence.
• 😀 In the post-independence period, Islam struggled to generate public ethics and morality, often becoming subject to political manipulation by ruling elites, both during the Old Order and the New Order regimes.
• 😀 The state has increasingly played a role in defining what constitutes 'moderate' Islam, with some religious groups being excluded or marginalized for not adhering to the state's interpretation of moderation.
• 😀 Minority Islamic sects, such as Ahmadiyya and Shia, have faced discrimination and have been labeled as 'non-moderate' by organizations like MUI, leading to tensions within the Islamic community in Indonesia.
• 😀 The political and religious alliance under the banner of moderation has sometimes resulted in the state exerting control over citizens' private religious practices, defining who is considered 'moderate' and who is not.
• 😀 The state’s endorsement of certain Islamic schools of thought, while excluding others, has raised concerns about ideological contestation and the potential for social division within Indonesia.
• 😀 The concept of religious moderation has been critiqued for being used as a tool for political and electoral gain, with politicians exploiting religious symbolism to win public support during elections.
• 😀 For religious moderation to truly contribute to justice and public ethics, it must be grounded in an inclusive and progressive approach that respects all religions and beliefs, aligning with Indonesia's national ideology of Pancasila.

Q & A

What is the core concept of religious moderation introduced by Joko Widodo's government in Indonesia?

The core concept of religious moderation introduced by Joko Widodo's government is 'Wasat Islam,' which promotes balanced, ethical values, tolerance, anti-violence, and respect for local traditions. It aims to integrate Islamic principles with public policies for a more inclusive and peaceful society.

How has Wasat Islam been incorporated into Indonesia's national policies?

Wasat Islam has been incorporated into Indonesia's National Medium-Term Development Plan (2020-2024), focusing on promoting religious moderation as a state project. This includes mainstreaming ethical values like tolerance and commitment to anti-violence while ensuring respect for local traditions.

What historical context led to the rise of religious moderation in Indonesia?

Religious moderation in Indonesia emerged as a response to violent extremism, radicalism, and the negative impacts of Islamophobia and conflicts in the Muslim world. Previous Islamic resistance movements, such as the struggle against Western colonial rule, set the foundation for Islam as a force for ethical values and public morality.

What role did Islamic organizations like Muhammadiyah and MUI play in promoting religious moderation in Indonesia?

Islamic organizations such as Muhammadiyah and MUI have played a pivotal role in promoting religious moderation in Indonesia. Muhammadiyah, for example, advocates for Islam with progress, while MUI promotes 'Islam Wasatiyah,' which aims for a balanced, moderate interpretation of Islam that aligns with national values of tolerance and justice.

What are the potential dangers of the state's intervention in defining religious moderation?

The state's intervention in defining religious moderation can lead to the exclusion of certain Islamic schools and groups, creating ideological division. For instance, groups like the Ahmadiyya and Shia have been labeled as 'non-moderate' by MUI, which could fuel contestation and limit the diversity of Islamic thought within Indonesia.

How has the concept of religious moderation been misused by political elites in Indonesia?

Political elites in Indonesia have occasionally exploited religious moderation as a tool for electoral gain. By manipulating religious symbolism, they have sought to attract votes while disregarding the risks of identity-based politics, which can undermine democracy and national unity.

What challenges has Indonesia faced in managing religious identity since the fall of the New Order regime?

Since the fall of the New Order regime in 1998, Indonesia has faced challenges in managing religious identity, particularly with the rise of a newly educated Muslim middle class drawn to conservative and literalist interpretations of Islam. This shift has led to ideological conflicts and increased pressure for the implementation of Sharia law.

What historical relationship between Islam and politics is highlighted in the speech?

The speech highlights a complex historical relationship between Islam and politics in Indonesia. During the colonial period, Islam was a source of resistance, but post-independence, it became politicized, leading to conflicts and manipulations by political elites. The speech advocates for a return to Islam's ethical role in shaping public morality and justice.

What is the significance of Panasila in the context of religious moderation in Indonesia?

Pancasila, Indonesia's national ideology, is significant because it offers a framework for inclusivity and pluralism. Religious moderation should align with Pancasila, ensuring that diverse religious and cultural perspectives are respected while promoting social cohesion and ethical governance.

How can religious moderation be transformed into a practical system for addressing contemporary issues?

Religious moderation can be transformed into a practical system by ensuring that its principles of justice, balance, and inclusivity are integrated into public policies. By aligning religious moderation with universal ethical values and civil liberties, it can address contemporary humanitarian crises and contribute to global peace and sustainability.