Analyzing the changing dynamics of Tariqah Khalwatiah Samman (TKS) political influence in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

This article deals with the changing dynamics of Tariqah Khalwatiah Samman (TKS) political influence in South Sulawesi since its formation. It examines how TKS got involved in political relations from the late eighteenth century until recent years in the region. TKS is a prominent Sufi order with branches in South Sulawesi and neighboring areas. Approximately 100.000 followers of this tariqah spread predominantly in South Sulawesi and its surrounds. TKS as a tariqah should not only be regarded as a religious movement but also one with political dimensions. The study suggests that the spread of this tariqah can be attributed to members of the aristocracy in South Sulawesi, who adopted TKS in the late eighteen century. The findings also show that TKS moved from a more aggressive approach to regional politics during the colonial period and under the old order to a politics of cooperation in the new order era, which has continued into the post-reformation era.