Relationship, Transformation and Adaptation of The Traditionalists Against Puritanism in Surakarta Indonesia

Abstract

Surakarta is known as the center of Javanese culture with many traditions. On the other hand, this city also brings modern Islamic movements including the movement of the puritan group. The meeting of these two groups has created a unique relation between the supporters of the tradition of Java with the puritan group who is against such tradition. This research uses a qualitative approach that aims to reveal the relation between the supporters of the Javanese tradition with puritan, transformation of the traditionalist group to be a puritan, the adaptation strategies of the supporter of Javanese tradition against puritan group who reject such tradition. This research found that despite there is dissociative relationship in terms of diversity, it does not lead to a direct physical conflict. Generally, the changing to be a puritan was affected by social, educational and psychological process as well as rationalization of religious tradition. The strategy of the supporters of Javanese tradition to confront the puritan group is by performing Javanese tradition both in the palace and their private space. They also conducted some activities hosted by a faith group in cooperation with a traditional Islamic group.