Resistance and Exclusion of the Shia Community in South Sulawesi

Abstract

This research aims to delves the problem of resistance and exclusion research experienced by Shia groups carried out by other religious movements and local governments. Through qualitative interviews some figures from Shia, anti-Shia, and local governments who issued regulations banning Shia. The findings of this research show that resistance and persecution carried out by anti-Shia groups are carried out through attacks to sabotage the Shia groups' religious activities, especially the commemoration of Ashura. Discrimination against Shia groups in South Sulawesi also involved government officials supporting the anti-Shia movement. A circular letter containing an appeal to be wary of Shia groups was issued by the South Sulawesi Provincial Government in 2017, Makassar (2019), Gowa (2019), and Parepare (2021). Resistance and exclusion of Shia groups in South Sulawesi have implications for the non-freedom of Shia groups to publicly declare their religious identity. Several Shia adherents eventually chose the path of taqiyah because social conditions were not conducive to the existence of Shia groups.