The Role of Political Islam in Shaping Indonesian Culture and National Identity in the Modern Era

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world and a long history of interaction between Islam and politics. From the era of Islamic kingdoms and colonialism to independence and modern times, Islam has played an important role in shaping the nation's culture and identity. In the modern era, this role is subject to complex power relations amidst various challenges and opportunities that arise from the issues at hand. 

In this article, I would like to discuss how political Islam has contributed to the formation of Indonesian culture and national identity and identify the Challenges and opportunities faced in the current context.

History and Political Roots of Islam in Indonesia Islam

first reached the islands through trade routes around the 13th century. After that, the influence of Islam increased rapidly with the establishment of Islamic kingdoms such as Samudra Pasai, Demak, and Islamic Mataram.  Islam played an important role not only in religious life but also in the political and social structure of society. In the Dutch colonial period, Islamic scholars and celebrities often led resistance movements against the colonisers, showing that from the beginning, Islam functioned not only as a religion but also as an important political and social force. 

For example, figures like Diponegoro combined religious fervour with political struggle against colonialism.

Even after independence, the political role of Islam continued.

Islamic parties such as Masyumi and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) played an important role in the state formation process. Pancasila as the foundation of the state also takes into account the values of religions, including Islam, reflecting Indonesia's plurality. This shows how Islam is integrated into the political structure and ideology of the state.

The Role of Political Islam in the Formation of National Culture

Islam has become one of the pillars of the formation of Indonesian national culture. Various traditions, customs and values that develop in society are influenced by Islamic teachings. For example, the tradition of gotong royong and consensus deliberation that characterises Indonesian society may have something to do with Islamic values of coexistence and shura. The concept of Shura in Islam emphasises the importance of deliberation and collective participation in decision-making, which is reflected in the practice of democracy in Indonesia.

Islam has also influenced Indonesian art and literature. For example, the art of wayang was Islamised with the emergence of Islamic characters. Islamic literature, including legends and poetry, has also enriched Indonesia's cultural repertoire. For example, Hikayat Amir Hamzah is a literary work that shows how Islamic values are incorporated into folklore.

National Identity and Political Islam in Modern Times

In modern times, Indonesia's national identity cannot be separated from the influence of Islamic politics. This identity includes religious, social, and political aspects that are integrated into people's daily lives. In the political context, Islamic parties such as the Prosperity and Justice Party (PKS) and the United Development Party (PPP) continue to play a role in the dynamics of domestic politics. These parties champion Islamic values in several areas of public policy, such as religious education and sharia law.

However, in this modern era, the role of Islamic politics faces several challenges, for example, globalisation and modernisation bring about major changes in the social and cultural order, which often conflict with traditional and religious values.

Another challenge is the emergence of extremist groups that utilise religion for political purposes, potentially damaging the image of Islam as a religion of peace and tolerance.

Challenging Contemporary Issues.

• Radicalism and Extremism: One of the biggest challenges is the rise of radicalism and extremism in the name of Islam. These groups often contradict the principles of democracy and diversity that underpin the Indonesian state. This phenomenon has led to negative prejudice against Islam and Islamic politics and reduced public trust in Islamic political parties. Incidents such as terrorism committed by extremist groups in the name of Islam further complicate this challenge.
• Globalisation and Modernisation: The process of globalisation and modernisation brings about major changes in the lifestyle and mindset of people. Foreign cultural influences often clash with Islamic values and local traditions. This challenge requires a wise approach that allows Islam to remain relevant and adaptive without losing the essence of its teachings. For example, in the field of technology and media, how can we ensure that the content consumed by society does not conflict with Islamic values?
• Political Polarisation: Indonesia has experienced strong political polarisation in recent years, with religion often used as a political tool to gain support. This polarisation not only undermines social cohesion, but also threatens national unity. Religious identity politics can divide communities and hamper the democratic process. For example, elections are often overshadowed by campaigns that use religious themes to win votes, which can divide communities.

Opportunities to Strengthen the Role of Political Islam 

Amidst these challenges, there are many opportunities available to strengthen the role of political Islam in shaping national culture and identity.

• Religious Moderation: One of the major opportunities is to promote religious moderation. The concept of Wasatiyyah or the Middle Way in Islam can be a foundation in dealing with extremism and radicalism. Islamic political parties can play a role in moderation by promoting an Islam that is rahmatan lil alamin (compassion for all nature) and upholds the values of tolerance and peace. Religious moderation is also important to build good relations with followers of other religions and maintain social harmony.
• Religious Education and Literacy: Improving religious education and literacy is an important step in building a correct understanding of Islam in society. Quality education helps prevent the spread of extremist ideologies and creates a generation with a comprehensive and contextualised understanding of Islam.  A curriculum that combines Islamic values with modern science can be a solution to create a generation with noble character and broad knowledge.
• Constructive political participation: Islamic parties can play a more active role in solving national problems. By focusing on social issues such as poverty, education and health, Islamic political parties can show that they are not only guided by religious issues but also care about the welfare of society as a whole. This can be achieved through concrete and innovative social programmes, such as the establishment of high-quality Islamic schools and modern hospitals that provide services based on Islamic values.
• Interfaith Dialogue: Strengthening interfaith dialogue is an effective way to build interfaith understanding and tolerance. Through dialogue, people of different faiths can understand each other and work together to advance national interests. Political Islam can play an important role in facilitating this dialogue. For example, we hold interfaith discussion forums to discuss national issues and seek common solutions.

Islamic Politics and National Development

In addition to aspects related to culture and identity, Islamic politics also makes a significant contribution to national development. In this context, Islamic politics can be a driving force for development based on Islamic ethical and moral values. For example, the Islamic principle of justice can be applied to economic policy to reduce social inequality and encourage a fairer distribution of wealth. Development based on Islamic values also includes the utilisation of natural resources in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

In Islam, humans are considered as khalifah of the earth and are responsible for maintaining the balance of nature. Therefore, development policies can be implemented that pay attention to environmental aspects and sustainability to protect Indonesia's nature.

Conclusion

The role of political Islam in shaping the culture and identity of the Indonesian nation is very important and continues to grow in modern times.Despite challenges such as radicalisation, globalisation and political polarisation, there are many opportunities to strengthen this role. By promoting religious moderation, improving religious education and literacy, constructive participation in politics, and strengthening interfaith dialogue, political Islam will actively contribute to building a better, more tolerant and prosperous Indonesia.

Pinkan Indrianika Arief_20230510120_J_AIK 2 Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta