ARTICLES

26 Sep 2024

Lessons from a Young Female Preacher on Islamic Preaching in Rural Central Java

Haula Noor

A rare female Muslim preacher who uses humour in her outreach to mixed audiences of rural adherents shows the richness and diversity of Islam as practised in Indonesia.

Indonesia Progressive Islam

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.

25 Apr 2022

Nahdlatul Ulama’s Traditionalist Campaign Shaping Mainstream Indonesian Islamic Discourse

Wasisto Raharjo Jati

Since 2014, it has appeared as though the traditionalists in Nahdlatul Ulama have won the upper hand in influencing the Islamic discourse in Indonesia, having pushed back against hardline and conservative elements. However, the conservatives remain a critical opposition, and sharp ideological differences will keep tensions simmering.

Indonesia Islam Progressive Islam Religion

28 Mar 2022

Indonesia and Taliban-Led Afghanistan: Treading with Caution

Syafiq Hasyim|Hui Yew-Foong

Indonesia has been cautious in granting diplomatic recognition to the new Taliban regime in Kabul. There are good reasons for doing so.

Indonesia Islamic State Islamist Groups Progressive Islam

23 Mar 2022

Nahdlatul Ulama ‘Going Global’: Charity Should Begin at Home

Syafiq Hasyim|Norshahril Saat

The newly-elected chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama has a grand vision about humanitarian Islam. In practice, however, the policy is found wanting when it comes to attending to the needs of the NU rank and file.

Indonesia Islam Progressive Islam Religion

17 Jan 2022

The New Nahdlatul Ulama (NU): ‘Islamic Party No; Islamic Politicians Yes?’

Norshahril Saat|Syafiq Hasyim

Newly elected NU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf campaigned on a platform to depoliticise NU in the run-up to the next elections. But NU's new leadership line-up suggests otherwise.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Political Islam Progressive Islam Religion

17 Feb 2021

Gus Baha: Rising Star Challenging Islam’s Conservative Establishment

A'an Suryana

His style might appeal less to social media users, but Ahmad Bahauddin Nursalim has gained a following in Indonesia for his intellectual capacity.

Indonesia Islam Progressive Islam Religion Religious Dialogue

19 Jan 2021

The Death of a Young, Moderate Charismatic Preacher

A'an Suryana|Norshahril Saat

Syekh Ali Jaber had become a surprise force for moderate Islam in Indonesia.

Indonesia Progressive Islam Religion

1 Dec 2020

The MUI 2020 Congress: Path Towards Moderation?

Norshahril Saat

The new leadership of MUI (Ulama Council of Indonesia) likely will be less politically involved and possibly more moderate.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Progressive Islam

24 Aug 2020

The Islamic Renaissance Front in Malaysia: Fighting to Reinvigorate Progressive Voices

Mohd Faizal Musa|Siti Syazwani Zainal Abidin

For years, the Islamic Renaissance Front has sought to bring progressive Islam to the front and centre in Malaysia. With a leadership change and increasing state repression, the group has its work cut out for it.

Islamic Renaissance Front Malaysia Progressive Islam