The Significance of Islamic Political Thought in the Contemporary Indonesian Political Landscape

Islamic political thought in Indonesia has a long history dating back to the 13th century, with various transformations and adaptations influenced by social, cultural and political changes. Islamic organisations such as Sarekat Islam played an important role in resisting colonialism and fighting for the economic and political rights of Muslims. Islamic figures such as Haji Agus Salim, Mohammad Natsir, and Buya Hamka contributed to the formation of an inclusive and moderate state foundation, which is reflected in the state ideology, Pancasila.

During the New Order, Islamic political power was marginalised, but finally re-emerged after 1998. Islamic-based political parties such as the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), the United Development Party (PPP), and the Moon Star Party (PBB) emerged and became an important part of the Indonesian political system. The focus of Islamic political thought during this period was to incorporate Islamic values into a democratic political system aligned with justice, welfare and public participation. However, Islamic political thought faced problems such as radicalism and extremism, as well as internal conflicts among Islamic organisations and parties.

Understanding the position and contribution of Islamic political thought in modern Indonesian politics is crucial to integrating Islamic principles into an inclusive and just democratic political system and overcoming current challenges to enhance Indonesia's democracy and progress in the future.

HISTORY OF INDONESIAN POLITICAL THOUGHT

Islamic political thought has a long and varied history in Indonesia, having initially arrived in the country in the 13th century. Islam became a prevalent religion among the people and the basis of political ideology thereafter, impacting various aspects of social, cultural and political life in the region. Islamic organisations such as Sarekat Islam emerged during the colonial period, especially in the early 20th century, as a platform to fight for the economic and political rights of Muslims. 

Islamic political thought aligned with Indonesian nationalism and democracy was shaped by figures such as Haji Agus Salim and Mohammad Natsir. Islamic political thought continued to adapt to the dynamics of national politics after Indonesia's independence in 1945. Although sometimes suppressed and marginalised by the New Order government, they still played a role in articulating the political aspirations of Muslims. 

The reform era since 1998 became an important turning point, allowing the rise of Islamic-based political parties such as the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), which actively supported the application of Islamic principles in a more inclusive democracy. Islamic political thought continues to contribute to the development of a just and equitable society in Indonesia, despite facing challenges such as radicalism and criticism of the politicisation of religion.

THE ROLE OF ISLAMIC POLITICAL FIGURES IN INDONESIAN HISTORY

Islamic political figures have played a huge role in Indonesian history, especially in fighting colonialism and building a separate nation.

• Haji Agus Salim, also referred to as the "Founder of Indonesian Diplomacy", was an important figure in Indonesia's diplomacy at the global level, especially in the struggle to detach Indonesia from the Netherlands and establish relations with other countries.
• During his time as leader of the Masyumi Party, Mohammad Natsir actively supported the struggle for Indonesian independence. In addition, he played an important role in the drafting of the 1945 Constitution, which incorporated Islamic values in the country's constitution.
• Besides being a renowned academic and writer, Buya Hamka also helped spread moderate and inclusive Islamic thought through his works. In addition, he also supported the creation of a state constitution that prioritises justice and diversity. He not only helped in the world of formal politics, but also provided guidance to others on how to build a pluralist and democratic state based on the principles of social justice.

DYNAMICS OF ISLAMIC POLITICS IN THE REFORM ERA

The dynamics of Islamic politics became an important part of Indonesia's political history during the reform era, which lasted from 1998 to the present. After the New Order collapsed, political liberalisation emerged and encouraged the formation of new political parties, including Islamic parties such as the Justice Party and later the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).  These parties not only helped to maintain morality and anti-corruption, but also became a significant political force in elections, with great support from community groups that prioritised the application of Islamic values in public life. However, issues related to radicalism and extremism, as well as criticism of the application of inclusive democratic principles, are challenges to the presence of Islamic politics. Nonetheless, Islamic politics in Indonesia is moderating, with some parties taking a pragmatic approach to public policy and actively participating in the democratisation process to support the country's social and economic justice agenda. This dynamic shows how the journey of Islamic politics to build a just and equitable society in Indonesia is very complex.