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THE TIMES [London], THURSDAY OCTOBER 11 2001
Q&A: Islam in Indonesia
Political demonstrations have taken place this week at the American and British embassies in Jakarta. Dr Peter Carey, a tutor at Trinity College, and Dr Marlies Glasius of the London School of Economics, discuss the impact of the Muslim communities in Indonesia.
What is the relationship between Islam and Indonesia?
Marlies Glasius: It is a complicated one. Islam came in to the country many centuries ago. Out of a population of 210 million, 90 per cent are Sunni Muslims. Traditionally, Indonesian Muslims practice Islam in a broad way - they mix Islam with animism and Hinduism. For example, the Sultan of Yogyakarta (a traditional ruler on the island of Java) is a devout Muslim. However, sometimes, he practices the traditional rituals of Hindu or animism.
Does Indonesia have radical Islamic groups?
Peter Carey: Neo-Wahabism, the fundamentalist form of Islam that originates in Saudi Arabia, is a minority affair in Indonesia. The main militant groups are Laskud Jihad (Militia of Holy War) and the Front for the Defenders of Islam. These are both linked to an organisation called FKAWJ (the Solidarity Front for the Islamic World). There are about 3,000-10,000 members of the Laskud Jihad, and there are 185 million Muslims in Indonesia. Ja'far Umar Talib, head of the Laskud Jihad, fought in Afghanistan in 1998-1989.
From April to May of this year the Laskud Jihad has been actively fighting Christians in the Malaku Islands with the support of the Indonesian Army, who want to safeguard their economic concessions there. However, the Army began to turn against the Laskud Jihad in June, for internal political reasons. Since September 11 the Front for the Defenders of Islam have been going threatening to force foreigners out of Indonesia.
It's estimated by the Americans that every year about 1,500 people go from Indonesia to other world Muslim centres (Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo) to study. Of those, about 300-400 end up in Pakistan or Afghanistan. These are not big numbers.
Is Islam a political force?
MG: Yes. Under former President Suharto, most opposition was wiped out. For example, there was no Communist opposition. However, President Suharto couldn't eradicate Islam - almost every Indonesian is a Muslim. So the religion became a source of political opposition to corruption and decadence.
There are now two main Muslim political parties: one moderate, the Development Unity Party (PPP), and the other "modernist" (less willing to blend Islam with local traditions), the National Mandate Party (PAN). PPP gained about 22 per cent of the vote in the 1999 elections and PAN gained 7 per cent. These emerged out of two Muslim organisations that have millions of members: Nahbatul Ulama (moderate) and Muhammediya (modernist). They run schools, hospitals and mosques.
How is the Indonesian Government dealing with the current protests?
MG: It is allowing the protests to take place and it is assuring the Americans, British and others that they won't get out of hand. They don't want to make martyrs out of any of the protesters.
What is the political context to the unrest?
MG: I think the current unrest has more to do with internal unrest than a genuine dislike of the United States. Most Indonesians don't know anything about America. The current speaker of Parliament, Amien Rais, is a very ambitious man, and is head of the modernist Islamic party, PAN. I think that he would like to be President. I think that he may have something to do with the current unrest.
Does this threaten President Megawati?
MG: The current leader, President Megawati Sukarnoputri, is, in theory, a Muslim, but from the more traditional form. She has the support of the more secular, urban class who identify with nationalism more that Islam. She was Vice-President under the former President Abdurrahman Wahid, who was impeached. She came to power primarily because she is the daughter of Indonesia's founding President Sukarno, and most people, who were not used to voting, recognised her name. However, many Muslim leaders oppose her because they think that a woman should not rule a Muslim country (even though there is a precedent, for example with President Bhutto in Pakistan).
PC: She is in a difficult position. She didn't say anything publicly (about the attacks) after going to meet President Bush in September. However she privately went to Dallas to assure the oil companies that she would guarantee their security in Indonesia.
Does the President have the support of the Indonesian Army?
MG: Yes. She shares their nationalist agenda. She was not keen on independence for East Timor and opposes independence for Iryan Jaya and Aceh.
What do you predict for the future?
MG: It is hard to say. Much will depend on what happens in the next elections, but you must remember that former President Suharto was able to stay in power for 30 years with the support of the army.
Copyright 2001 Times Newspapers Ltd.
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