ARTICLES

7 Nov 2022

MUI’s Strong Survival Instincts for a Shariah-Compliant Indonesia

Syafiq Hasyim

The key to Indonesia’s Council of Ulama’s longevity even in the post-Suharto period lies in its dominance of the halal certification system, which other major Muslim organisations have not managed to dilute.

3 Nov 2022

Persuasion Not Regulation the Key for Social Media Influencers Navigating Religion and Culture

Siti Mazidah Mohamad

There is already a patchwork of laws supported by some communal surveillance and cultural policing when it comes to social media influencers in Muslim-majority countries in Southeast Asia. It is perhaps possible to socialise influencers, Muslim or otherwise, to tread carefully when navigating sensitive issues, but this must stop short of over-regulation.

Halal Islam Media Southeast Asia

2 Nov 2022

Finding Soulmates through Halal Means: Ta‘aruf Online for Indonesian Muslim Youth

Wahyudi Akmaliah

The popularity of so-called halal matchmaking apps is a positive development provided developers and users alike remain clear-eyed about their claims to serve Islam.

Indonesia Islam

31 Oct 2022

Evolution of the Halal Industry and Lifestyle in Southeast Asia

Mohammad Hashim Kamali

The notable growth of halal products and the overall market is a trend that bears watching for producers of halal consumables, as they adapt to modern demands from Muslims and non-Muslims alike to uphold high standards.

economy Halal Certification Islam

18 Oct 2022

Religious Dress in Schools Polemic and Indonesia’s Philosophical Vacuum

Max Lane

The popularity of a recent image lamenting the wearing of conservative dress, particularly headscarves, by girls in Indonesia’s state schools have highlighted philosophical tensions in society and politics, with no easy answers.

Education Indonesia Islam

11 Oct 2022

Islamisation in Malaysia Beyond UMNO and PAS

Norshahril Saat|Afra Alatas

This article explains why the study of Islamisation in Malaysia should move beyond UMNO and PAS. The focus should instead be on how revivalist ideology has both penetrated the state apparatus and been reinforced by developments in society.

Islam Malaysia

26 Sep 2022

Islamic Studies and Intellectualism in Indonesia: Remembering Professor Azyumardi Azra

Norshahril Saat|Syafiq Hasyim

Islamic scholars and Indonesia’s public alike mourn the untimely passing of Azyumardi Azra, a leading light in Islamic intellectual discourse at home and abroad.

Indonesia Islam Progressive Islam

22 Sep 2022

Unifying Halal Product Certification: ASEAN’s Challenge

Faegheh Shirazi

Halal certification for certain food and drink products is a tricky area and universal standards should be set to better reflect halal consumer needs and religious principles.

ASEAN Halal Certification Islam

19 Sep 2022

ACT’s Scandal Damages Islamic Philanthropy in Indonesia

Syafiq Hasyim

Recent scandal involving one of the largest Islamic charities in Indonesia threatens to damage public trust if the authorities waste the chance to overhaul the poorly regulated sector.

Corruption Indonesia Islam

13 Jul 2022

The Politics of Nahdliyyin: Uneasy Relations between NU and PKB

Syafiq Hasyim

There are indications that the relationship between Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and the National Awakening Party (PKB) is tense. Whether the two entities can kiss and make up could determine how Indonesia’s moderate Muslims vote in the next election.

Indonesia Islam Political Islam