Indonesian Journal of Islam and Muslim Societies

Reconstructing the role of local actors in the Islamization of East Kalimantan

Ahmad-Norma Permata, Ahmad Yunani, Dede Burhanudin, Masmedia Pinem, Isman Isman — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The History of Indonesian Islamization has always been described as a one-way process, where Islam was brought to Indonesia on the initiative of foreign preachers. At the same time, the local community only passively accepted it. This view is typical of colonial scholarship, which stated that Southeast Asian society was backward and could only develop with the help of foreign civilizations. However, archaeological studies challenge this view, which shows that local Southeast Asian society had an advanced life system before the arrival of foreign civilizations. According to these findings, world religions came to Southeast Asia not at the initiative of foreign preachers but were invited by local rulers for local political interests. This study examines the debate between the two approaches in the case of Islamization in the Sultanates of Kutai and Paser in East Kalimantan. This study utilizes a cross-disciplinary corroborative approach, namely archaeological analysis and local politics, to test the mainstream historical narratives. This study found that the Islamization process in East Kalimantan is part of the local centralization of power and regional struggle for political and economic dominance. The study has two significant implications. First, there is a need for criticism of the conventional History of Islamization based on the colonial paradigm. Second, methodological innovation and cross-disciplinary corroboration are needed to revive local history studies, which typically have fragmented sources.

Sejarah Islamisasi di Indonesia selama ini selalu digambarkan sebagai proses satu arah, di mana Islam dibawa ke Indonesia oleh dan atas inisiatif pendakwah dari luar. Sementara masyarakat lokal dianggap hanya penerima pasif. Pandangan ini sebenarnya mencerminkan pola pikir kesarjanaan kolonial, yang selalu menganggap masyarakat Asia Tenggara terbelakang dan hanya mampu berkembang dengan bantuan peradaban luar. Namun, kajian-kajian arkeologis kontemporer menunjukkan bukti yang berbeda, yaitu bahwa masyarakat Asia Tenggara sudah memiliki sistem kehidupan yang maju sebelum datangnya pengaruh peradaban-peradaban asing. Menurut temuan ini, agama-agama dunia datang ke Asia Tenggara bukan atas inisiatif pendakwah luar melainkan diundang oleh penguasa-penguasa local untuk kepentingan politik lokal. Riset ini bertujuan menguji perdebatan ini dengan menggunakan kasus sejarah Islamisasi di Kesultanan Kutai dan Paser di Kalimantan Timur. Studi ini menggunakan pendekatan korobortif lintas-disiplin, memadukan pendekatan arkeologis dan pendekatan politik lokal, untuk menguji narasi sejarah mainstream. Ditemukan bahwa proses Islamisasi di Kalimantan Timur merupakan bagian dari proses sentralisasi politik dan pertarungan perebutan dominasi politik dan ekonomi. Temuan kajian ini memiliki dua nilai penting; perlunya sikap kritis terhadap narasi sejarah bercorak kolonialis, dan perlunya inovasi metodologis dan koroborasi lintas-disiplin untuk menghidupkan kajian sejarah lokal yang biasanya sangat miskin sumber-sumber tertulis.

The Muslim Afterlife Reward and Punishment Beliefs and Expectations Profiles

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Literature from the cognitive and cultural evolutionary sciences of religion indicates that afterlife reward and punishment beliefs increase prosociality. Although Muslims are among the strongest adherents in afterlife reward and punishment belief, there is evidence that there are low levels of prosociality in these societies. This study explores this paradox. Because previous studies have mostly relied on variable-centered approaches to analysis, it is difficult to understand how different afterlife beliefs and expectations together affect Muslims. Using a person-centered approach, the current study employed Latent Profile Analysis to understand how Islamic afterlife reward and punishment beliefs and expectations interact with each other, and what profiles result from this interaction. The study further explored the relationships between the resulting profiles with religiosity, prosociality (integrity, rule breaking ability, self-control), death attitude (death anxiety, and acceptance), and future orientation. The study used data collected from Jordanian (n= 605) university students. The results indicate that profiles with high levels of afterlife reward and punishment beliefs and afterlife hope expectations have a positive association with religiosity, prosociality and death attitude in both samples, while profiles with high levels of afterlife fear expectation, temporary afterlife punishment expectation, and compulsory temporary afterlife punishment belief have a negative association with religiosity, prosociality and death attitude. The profiles that show the best performance constitute only 23 percent of the Jordanian sample. The study results confirm the existence of a unique phenomenon in which supernatural punishment beliefs have a negative effect on prosocial behavior resulting from belief in temporary punishment in the afterlife.

Integrating the values of Islamic Religious Education in the daily lives of rural families: a gender study

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores how values of Islamic Religious Education (IRE) are integrated into the everyday lives of rural Indonesian families, focusing particularly on gender dynamics and coping strategies in response to contemporary challenges such as social media influence, urbanization, and shifting lifestyles. Employing a qualitative design, data were gathered through participatory observation and in-depth interviews with male and female family members across multiple generations. Guided by a feminist analytical framework, thematic and gender-comparative analyses reveal that core IRE values—tawḥīd (the Oneness of Allah), noble character, ritual worship, social ethics, and the pursuit of knowledge—are deeply embedded in all aspects of family life: women predominantly drive religious education within the home, while men more often lead communal religious practices. Despite modern pressures, rural families demonstrate resilience and adaptability by holding regular family discussions on digital media use, supervising children’s online activities, and preserving traditional religious customs. The novelty of this research lies in its holistic integration of gender analysis within a rural setting combined with an explicit focus on contemporary socio-cultural challenges, offering empirically grounded insights for the development of responsive Islamic education policies and programs.

Penelitian ini berfokus pada bagaimana nilai-nilai Pendidikan Agama Islam (PAI) terintegrasi dalam kehidupan sehari-hari keluarga pedesaan di Indonesia, dengan menitikberatkan pada perbedaan peran gender dan respons terhadap tantangan kontemporer—termasuk pengaruh media sosial, urbanisasi, dan perubahan gaya hidup. Tujuan studi adalah mendapatkan gambaran komprehensif tentang dinamika transmisi nilai keagamaan dalam setting tradisional dan merumuskan strategi yang tepat untuk pelestarian serta pengembangan PAI di era modern.

Menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, data dikumpulkan melalui observasi partisipatif dan wawancara mendalam dengan anggota keluarga pedesaan—laki-laki dan perempuan—dari berbagai generasi. Analisis dilakukan dengan kerangka Feminist Approach, memadukan analisis tematik untuk mengidentifikasi pola integrasi nilai dan analisis komparatif gender untuk menelaah perbedaan kontribusi masing-masing gender. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa nilai-nilai PAI—seperti tauhid, akhlak mulia, kewajiban ibadah, etika sosial, dan pentingnya ilmu—telah menjiwai setiap aspek kehidupan keluarga, membentuk landasan moral yang kuat. Perempuan memainkan peran sentral dalam pendidikan agama di ranah domestik, sementara laki-laki lebih aktif memimpin praktik keagamaan di ruang publik. Di samping itu, keluarga pedesaan terbukti resilien dan adaptif; mereka mengadakan diskusi keluarga untuk membahas dampak media sosial, mengawasi konten digital anak, dan mempertahankan tradisi keagamaan sebagai upaya menjaga kesinambungan nilai di tengah modernitas. Kebaruan studi ini terletak pada integrasi analisis gender yang mendalam dalam konteks pedesaan sekaligus penekanan pada tantangan kontemporer, sehingga memberikan landasan empiris untuk merancang kebijakan dan program Pendidikan Agama Islam yang relevan dan responsif terhadap perubahan sosial zaman sekarang

Building Sakinah family based on Islamic values of education

Ulfatmi, Mifedwil Jandra, Ta’rif, M. Mujad, Zulpadrianto — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the role of Islamic education in the formation of Sakinah families, focusing on the influence of Islamic values in marriage preparation and family life. The research aims to explore the factors contributing to the formation of Sakinah families in Padang, Indonesia, particularly the role of premarital education in fostering harmonious households. A qualitative approach was employed, involving purposive sampling of six Sakinah families and two families that experienced marital failure for comparative analysis. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation, followed by a four-stage analytical process: orientation, exploration, data processing, and presentation of findings. The results reveal that Sakinah families prioritize religious and moral values in partner selection, legal and intentional marriages, and strong extended family support. Premarital education plays a crucial role in preparing individuals for marital responsibilities, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future spouses. The study highlights the significance of structured premarital education programs and recommends their integration into higher education curricula to equip students with essential knowledge for family life. This research contributes to the discourse on Islamic education and marital preparation by emphasizing the interplay between religious commitment, moral considerations, and premarital education in building stable and harmonious families.

Penelitian ini mengkaji peran pendidikan Islam dalam pembentukan keluarga sakinah, dengan fokus pada pengaruh nilai-nilai Islam dalam persiapan pernikahan dan kehidupan keluarga. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi faktor-faktor yang berkontribusi terhadap pembentukan keluarga Sakinah di Padang, Indonesia, khususnya peran pendidikan pranikah dalam membina rumah tangga yang harmonis. Pendekatan kualitatif digunakan, dengan menggunakan purposive sampling terhadap enam keluarga Sakinah dan dua keluarga yang mengalami kegagalan pernikahan untuk analisis komparatif. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi, diikuti dengan proses analisis empat tahap: orientasi, eksplorasi, pengolahan data, dan penyajian temuan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa keluarga sakinah memprioritaskan nilai-nilai agama dan moral dalam pemilihan pasangan, pernikahan yang sah dan disengaja, serta dukungan keluarga besar yang kuat. Pendidikan pranikah memainkan peran penting dalam mempersiapkan individu untuk menghadapi tanggung jawab pernikahan, sehingga memungkinkan mereka untuk membuat keputusan yang tepat mengenai calon pasangan mereka. Penelitian ini menyoroti pentingnya program pendidikan pranikah yang terstruktur dan merekomendasikan pengintegrasian program tersebut ke dalam kurikulum pendidikan tinggi untuk membekali mahasiswa dengan pengetahuan yang esensial untuk kehidupan berkeluarga. Penelitian ini berkontribusi pada wacana pendidikan Islam dan persiapan pernikahan dengan menekankan interaksi antara komitmen agama, pertimbangan moral, dan pendidikan pranikah dalam membangun keluarga yang stabil dan harmonis.

Beyond Islamophobia: Unpacking Economic Motivations in South Korea's Mosque Construction Debates

Soojeong Yi, Gi Yeon Koo — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study delves into the contentious discourse surrounding the construction of a mosque in Daehyun-dong, Daegu City, South Korea, which has persisted from 2021 to the present. It examines the interplay between economic interests and cultural conflicts involving Muslim migrants and the local Korean population. Through the fieldwork research, including interviews with residents and migrant Muslim communities, the research moves beyond the conventional narrative of Islamophobia to uncover the underlying economic and sociocultural dynamics at play. It reveals that the opposition to the mosque is not merely a result of religious intolerance but is significantly influenced by financial concerns, including real estate values and development prospects. By examining the specific case of the proposed mosque near the local National University, the study highlights the complexities of integrating migrant Muslim communities into non-Muslim societies, where economic factors play a pivotal role in shaping local responses. The findings challenge the simplistic attribution of such conflicts to cultural or religious differences, suggesting a need for a more nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of community opposition to migrant initiatives. This research contributes to broader discussions on migration, integration, and urban development in multicultural contexts.

Studi ini meneliti tentang wacana kontroversial seputar pembangunan masjid di Daehyun-dong, Kota Daegu, Korea Selatan, yang telah berlangsung sejak 2021 hingga saat ini. Studi ini meneliti interaksi antara kepentingan ekonomi dan konflik budaya yang melibatkan migran Muslim dan penduduk lokal Korea. Melalui penelitian lapangan, termasuk wawancara dengan penduduk dan komunitas Muslim migran, penelitian ini bergerak melampaui narasi konvensional Islamofobia untuk mengungkap dinamika ekonomi dan sosial budaya yang mendasarinya. Studi ini mengungkap bahwa penentangan terhadap masjid bukan hanya akibat intoleransi agama, tetapi juga sangat dipengaruhi oleh masalah keuangan, termasuk nilai real estat dan prospek pembangunan. Dengan meneliti kasus khusus masjid yang diusulkan di dekat Universitas Nasional setempat, studi ini menyoroti kompleksitas integrasi komunitas Muslim migran ke dalam masyarakat non-Muslim, di mana faktor ekonomi memainkan peran penting dalam membentuk respons lokal. Temuan ini menantang atribusi sederhana dari konflik tersebut dengan perbedaan budaya atau agama, yang menunjukkan perlunya pemahaman yang lebih bernuansa tentang sifat multifaset dari penentangan komunitas terhadap inisiatif migran. Penelitian ini berkontribusi pada diskusi yang lebih luas tentang migrasi, integrasi, dan pembangunan perkotaan dalam konteks multikultural.

State abandonment and the resurgence of Indonesian Islamic State (NII) movements

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article aims to investigate the reasons contributing to the emergence of the Indonesian Islamic State (NII) in Garut Regency, particularly in the context of state regulations that prohibit movements advocating for Islamic revivalism. Employing a case study approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation over a four-month period (September–December 2022), leading to several significant findings. The initial discovery elucidated a covert recruitment strategy that leveraged a network of pesantrens and religious leaders, employing deceptive identities to evade detection. The second result highlighted the ability of the NII to persist in the face of state prohibitions by capitalizing on regulatory loopholes and the inadequate coordination between central and regional government entities. The third finding investigated the influence of structural poverty and inadequately targeted development initiatives as significant factors driving community engagement in the revivalist movement, leading to the NII’s public declaration of its presence. These phenomena underscore the state’s ongoing negligence and disregard, ostensibly under the guise of promoting openness and freedom of expression in a democratic context, which seemingly facilitates the existence of Islamic revivalist groups. This situation is further exploited by politicians within a bureaucratic plutocracy, particularly during election campaigns, to garner support from potential voters.

Tulisan ini berusaha menggali alasan di balik kebangkitan Negara Islam Indonesia (NII) di Kabupaten Garut, dan mengapa hal ini muncul di tengah aturan negara yang melarang gerakan Islamic revivalism. Dengan pendekatan studi kasus dan pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi selama empat bulan (September–Desember 2022), ditemukan beberapa temuan kunci. Temuan pertama berhasil mengungkap strategi rekrutmen tersembunyi yang memanfaatkan jaringan pesantren dan tokoh agama dan penggunaan identitas kamuflase untuk menghindari deteksi. Temuan kedua mengungkap keberhasilan NII eksis di tengah pelarangan negara dengan cara memanfaatkan celah regulasi dan koordinasi yang lemah antara pemerintah pusat dan daerah. Temuan ketiga mengkaji peran kemiskinan struktural dan program pembinaan yang tidak tepat sasaran sebagai faktor pendorong keterlibatan masyarakat dalam gerakan revivalis sehingga NII ini secara terang-terangan mendeklarasi diri di hadapan publik. Fakta-fakta ini menunjukkan kelalaian dan pengabaian negara yang terus berlanjut dengan dalih keterbukaan dan kebebasan berpendapat di era demokrasi, seolah memberikan ruang bagi kelompok revivalis Islam untuk tetap eksis, dimanfaatkan oleh politikus dalam agenda plutokrasi birokrasi dan momentum kampanye pemilu guna meraih simpati konstituen potensial

Conservative, Pragmatic, and Progressive Ulama: Religion-Based Gender Ideology and Intimate Partner Violence in Indonesia (Study at Jakarta Province, Central Java Province and Jogjakarta Province)

Anisia Masyhadi, Elizabeth Kristi Poerwandari, Mirra Noor Milla — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Religious beliefs can shape personal values and behaviors, and in some contexts, certain interpretations or practices may be associated with increased risk of intimate partner violence (IPV), particularly against women. This study explores how Muslim religious leaders interpret and represent religion in the context of IPV. The research is based on qualitative data collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) with 12 Muslim religious leaders from Jakarta, Central Java, and Yogyakarta Provinces. The participants were divided into three groups, and the discussions aimed to understand their perspectives on IPV and gender roles. The findings reveal diverse interpretations of religious teachings, leading to varied attitudes toward IPV. Based on their views, the religious leaders were categorized into three typologies: conservative, pragmatic, and progressive. The conservative group upheld traditional gender norms and showed limited advocacy for female victims. The pragmatic group expressed more egalitarian views but demonstrated tolerance toward some forms of violence, indicating passive stances. In contrast, the progressive group contextualized Islamic teachings in a gender-equitable way and strongly opposed any form of IPV, actively supporting victims. The study found that most participants belonged to the conservative and pragmatic categories, suggesting that religious interpretations may reinforce IPV risk. These findings highlight the subjective nature of religious interpretations and the need for promoting progressive religious values. Strengthening such values may help reposition religion as a protective factor rather than a risk factor in cases of IPV.

Keyakinan agama dapat membentuk nilai-nilai dan perilaku pribadi, dan dalam beberapa konteks, interpretasi atau praktik tertentu dapat dikaitkan dengan peningkatan risiko kekerasan pasangan intim (IPV), khususnya terhadap wanita. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi bagaimana para pemuka agama Islam merepresentasikan ajaran agama dalam konteks kekerasan dalam hubungan intim. Data diperoleh melalui diskusi kelompok terfokus (FGD) yang melibatkan 12 pemuka agama Islam dari Provinsi DKI Jakarta, Jawa Tengah, dan Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. Peserta dibagi ke dalam tiga kelompok FGD untuk menggali pandangan mereka terkait kekerasan dan peran gender. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya keragaman dalam penafsiran ajaran agama yang berimplikasi pada sikap mereka terhadap kasus IPV. Berdasarkan pandangan mereka, para pemuka agama diklasifikasikan ke dalam tiga kelompok: konservatif, pragmatis, dan progresif. Kelompok konservatif cenderung mempertahankan norma gender tradisional dan menunjukkan dukungan yang rendah terhadap korban perempuan. Kelompok pragmatis memiliki pandangan yang lebih egaliter, namun masih menunjukkan toleransi terhadap kekerasan, dengan sikap yang kurang tegas. Sementara itu, kelompok progresif menafsirkan ajaran Islam secara kontekstual dan egaliter, serta menolak kekerasan dalam bentuk apa pun dan mendukung korban secara aktif. Mayoritas peserta termasuk dalam kategori konservatif dan pragmatis, menunjukkan bahwa agama dapat menjadi faktor risiko dalam kasus IPV. Temuan ini menegaskan pentingnya mendorong nilai-nilai progresif dalam agama agar agama dapat berfungsi sebagai faktor pelindung bagi korban kekerasan.