One More Time on the Islamization of Indonesia

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the complicated problem of islamization of Indonesia. The author describes mainly the three most important theories related to this long cultural process. The first theory, elaborated by W. F. Stutterheim, Chr. Snouck-Hurgronje and L. W. van den Berg, derives Indonesian Islam from Gujarat. Close contacts with India as well as some archeological funds witness for this version. The second theory, (Indonesian scholars maintain it mostly), explains Islamization by activity of Arab sailors. The most known of its partisans is Indonesian theologian Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah or Hamka. The third theory looks as modification of the second, in this case not Arab, but Persian-originated sailors are considered as preachers. Namely its defenders (H. Jayadiningrat and U. A. Hussein) apply culturological approach while arguing for Persian influence. The paper also deals with the first period of spreading of Islam through the territory of modern Indonesia. The special attention is paid also to some significant features of Indonesian Islam.