ARTICLES

9 Sep 2026

Malaysia’s Progressive Islamic Party: Can Amanah Still Be Pakatan Harapan’s Counterweight to PAS?

Ooi Kok Hin

More than a decade since its formation, how far has Amanah challenged the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, PAS, as a mass-party alternative?

2 Sep 2026

Competing Islamic Ideologies and Influence Operations in Indonesia: The Case of Ghazwul Fikri in Cyberspace

Ary Hermawan

This Long Read argues that the rise of the influence industry has reshaped online discourses among different Indonesian Islamic groups. While these debates may emerge organically, the involvement of cybertroopers in steering online conversations on critical issues has altered the power dynamics among these Islamic groups.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islam

17 Aug 2026

Prabowo and Indonesia’s Ulema Council: Is MUI Losing Traction Again?

Ary Hermawan|Norshahril Saat

President Prabowo was absent from a key Ulema Council of Indonesia (MUI) event last month. This signals that the organisation might now rank lower on his list of priorities.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islam

23 Jun 2026

25 Years on, Vanguard Liberal Indonesian Muslim Activists are in Disarray

Ary Hermawan

Jaringan Islam Liberal’s absence of a clear ideological stance is diminishing the movement’s relevance for liberal Indonesians, even as JIL figures remain prominent.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islam Political Islam

6 May 2026

Why Not All Indonesian Muslims Support Iran

A'an Suryana|Ary Hermawan

Most Indonesian Muslims are against the US-Israeli war against Iran. But some of them evince anti-Iran sentiment stemming from their belief that Shi’a Islam is a heretical sect.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islam US

17 Mar 2026

The Rise of Iran’s Third Rahbar, Mojtaba Khamenei, and Implications for Malaysia’s Shia Community

Mohd Faizal Musa

The ascension of Iran’s new Supreme Leader bears implications for the validity of his late father’s rulings and their faith’s adherents in this region.

Islam Malaysia Political Islam

11 Mar 2026

Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan: An Effective Regulatory Model for Sufi Movements and Tarekat Teachings

Mohd Faizal Musa

Negeri Sembilan’s religious authorities have found a balanced way to allow Sufism to thrive while respecting Islam’s orthodoxy.

Islam Malaysia

6 Mar 2026

Religious Elites and the Management of Islamic Affairs in Sarawak: A Mixed Scorecard

Mohd Faizal Musa

Political rather than religious authority still calls the shots in multi-religious Sarawak.

Islam Malaysia Sarawak

27 Feb 2026

Islam-State Relations under Prabowo: More Carrots and More Sticks, But Less Progressive and Less Civil?

Ary Hermawan

This Long Read examines President Prabowo Subianto’s relationship with the various Islamic organisations in Indonesia. While mainstream groups like Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah continue to be considered strategic allies, there has also been greater tolerance of hardline Islamist groups.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islam

6 Feb 2026

The Roots and Persistence of Terengganu’s Hardline Approach to Islamic Law

Mohd Faizal Musa

Since August 2025, Terengganu has implemented stringent shariah-based legislation penalising Muslim men who neglect Friday prayers, allowing for imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to RM3,000. This reflects a broader trend of rigorous shariah enforcement under the PAS-led state government.

Islam Malaysia Malaysian Politics