The contestation between conservative and moderate Muslims in promoting Islamic moderatism in Indonesia

Abstract

This article seeks to explain the practice of Islamic moderatism in Indonesia. Although it is supported by Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s two largest Islamic organizations, moderatism has faced severe obstacles. This article relies on data collected through interviews and a review of the literature. Through interviews with leaders and academics associated with Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, information on these organizations and their role in promoting religious moderatism to counter the discourses offered by exclusivist organizations (such as the Islamic Defenders Front and Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia) were collected. Data on these Islamic organizations were also collected through a review of these organizations’ internal documents as well as previous academic studies. This article shows that Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama have committed themselves to maintaining and promoting a peaceful—rather than hardline—understanding of Islam. One of the greatest challenges faced by these organizations is the resurgence of conservative understandings of Islam that position the religion as rigid and exclusive. Such views, which run contrary to Indonesian culture, are prone to denying the validity of diverse cultures and thus commonly reject existing organizations. Another form of Islam is therefore necessary, one that emphasizes the application of essential Islamic values in all aspects of life. Rather than a rigid formalism, mutual respect between all parties is necessary.