Embracing Radicalism and Extremism in Indonesia with the Beauty of Islam

Abstract

The phenomena of radicalism and extremism in religiosity, especially are a global trend. They are widespread easily due to technological advancement, especially in the information and communication fields. This study tries to explore the mainstreaming of Islamic moderation in encountering such phenomena in Indonesia. It is qualitative research employing the documentary technique for collecting data, then analyzing them through discourse and content analysis. The results of this study indicate that, based on awareness of the reality of the struggle between radical extremism and the moderate Islam in today's global world, the portrait of "the beauty of Islam" consisting a blend of truth, goodness and beauty and a recognition to the highest respect of the preservation of man’s religion, soul, offspring, intelligence and wealth, need to be probed and presented forward. Indonesia, - a country with the largest Muslim population and rich in diversity,- can become a role model in countering radicalism and extremism by disseminating the practices of moderate Islam to its adherents.