ARTICLES

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.

3 Jan 2022

The President Versus the Cleric: Managing Conservatives From Within

A'an Suryana|Norshahril Saat

A recent public spat between President Joko Widodo and a prominent cleric underscores how the former is facing challenges in reining in conservatives in his inner circle.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Religion

29 Dec 2021

Form over Substance: A Threat to Livelihoods and Social Cohesion

Afra Alatas|Faris Ridzuan

Recent trends in Malaysia show that religiously conservative ideas are no longer restricted to the Malay heartlands. There should be more space carved out for freedom of conscience, with less interference from state or civil society actors.

Islam Malaysia Malaysian Politics Political Islam Religion Religious Intolerance

29 Nov 2021

Growing Shariatisation in Indonesia: The Ulama Council of Indonesia (MUI) Moment?

Norshahril Saat

The Ulama Council of Indonesia (MUI) has evolved from a state “lackey” to an organisation with significant influence. With the shariatisation project becoming more mainstream in Indonesia today, this could be MUI’s biggest window of opportunity to further assert its influence.

Indonesian Politics Islam Religion

14 Oct 2021

The Curious Case of Attacks Against Muslim Figures

A'an Suryana

It is unlikely that a string of attacks against Muslim figures in Indonesia was orchestrated. The attacks could have been hyped by a populace sensitive to the idea of Muslim figures being subjected to violence.

Indonesia Religion Religious Intolerance

30 Sep 2021

Attack on Ahmadiyya Mosque in Sintang: An Agony for Humanity

Ahalla Tsauro|Aninda Dewayanti

The minority Ahmadiyya sect has been much aligned for its purportedly ‘deviant’ beliefs. More should be done to address such unfounded conceptions, and provide a safer environment for the sect’s followers in the public sphere.

Indonesia Religion Religious Intolerance

2 Aug 2021

Between Religious Rituals and Safety Protocols in the Time of a Pandemic

Afra Alatas|Nur Syafiqah Mohd Taufek

Religious leaders have an important role to play, in word and deed, to safeguard the physical and spiritual well-being of their flock during this pandemic.

COVID-19 Health Malaysia Malaysian Politics Religion

26 Jul 2021

The Religious Challenges Behind Enforcing Emergency Covid-19 Restrictions

Syafiq Hasyim

Although the mainstream Muslim organisations had supported closing mosques during Indonesia’s current round of emergency Covid-19 restrictions, the government subsequently compromised. This is another indication of the growing influence of conservative Muslim voices on Muslim issues.

COVID-19 Health Indonesia Religion