Boosting moderate Islam

Abdul Mu'ti, Chairman, National Board Muhammadiyah Youth, Jakarta

In the last decade or so, Islam in Indonesia has shown contrasts in its development. On the one hand its tolerant and peaceful face has moved toward a more radical image in the light of the bombings linked to radical groups here.

On the other hand, there has been a process of transformation or convergence between the "modernist" (Muhammadiyah) and the "traditionalist" (Nahdhatul Ulama). As noted by scholar Fazlur Rahman, in the early 1980s the "gap between the traditionalist and the modernist has almost closed".

Rahman sees this notion as a promise of the development of indigenous Islam in Indonesia. Like Rahman, another scholar, Kuntowijoyo argues that since the early 1990s there has been a social and cultural convergence of Islam in Indonesia.

This convergence is indicated by the end of the perceived dichotomy between the abangan and the santri (generally referring respectively to Muslims who are considered more relaxed about religion or who adopt more from other beliefs such as kejawen; and those with a background of education at the pesantren or Islamic boarding schools).

Such scholars also see less of a dichotomy between "traditionalists" and "modernists"; the intellectuals and the ulema; secularists and those who are religious; and Islamic and non-Islamic political parties.

Among factors which have contributed to this convergence is the country's uniform curricula which has led to similar instruction in Islam. The establishment of Muhammadiyah schools in many regions is another factor.

A large proportion of Muhammadiyah students -- especially in universities -- now come from an NU background. Understanding is very likely to happen among the young generation of Muhammadiyah and NU which has resulted in plurality of both Muhammadiyah and NU members.

Researcher Abdul Munir Mulkhan describes clearly the plurality within Muhammadiyah. He wrote in 2000 that there are four "groups" among Muhammadiyah members -- the puritan, the moderate, the democrats and the "MUNU" (Muhammadiyah-NU). The puritans, also called the "Muhammadiyah Ikhlash" are Muhammadiyah members whose commitment to the purity of Islam and strict reference to the Koran and the Sunnah remains very strong and rigid.

The second group, the "Muhammadiyah Ahmad Dahlan" consists of members whose religious understanding is perceived to be similar to the founder of the organization, Ahmad Dahlan: one characterized by open-mindedness moderation, tolerance and a critical mind.

The third group consists of members whose political affiliation is strongly nationalist. The last group refers to members of Muhammadiyah whose religious practices are strongly influenced by those of Nahdhatul Ulama, known as "Marhaenis Muhammadiyah". They used to be NU members but for various reasons became members of Muhammadiyah.

Despite their differences, more cooperation between the two largest moderate groups of Islam in Indonesia is very likely to happen.

In many cases Muhammadiyah and NU share similar views. Both their leaders, A. Syafii Maarif of Muhammadiyah and Hasyim Muzadi of NU have rejected the implementation of sharia in the public sphere. The two leaders have also been involved in a "moral movement" campaigning to strengthen morality within public life especially in government offices.

Later in October NU and Muhammadiyah began a joint struggle against corruption.

Cooperation might also occur among the youth. Four youth organizations associated with Muhammadiyah and Nahdhatul Ulama have set up a joint program namely Proklamaktour. Here the Muhammadiyah Youth and NU youth organization, Ansor, organized a joint umrah (minor pilgrimage) to Mecca, praying for the sovereignty of Indonesia.

Although concrete cooperation in social endeavors has not yet developed, frequent communication and agreement among the two moderate Muslim groups are a sign of hope for a better Islam in Indonesia. The two were involved in serious tension following the ousting of Abdurrahman Wahid from the presidency by the People's Consultative Assembly led by Amien Rais. Abdurrahman was the former chairman of NU, while Amien led Muhammadiyah.

Conflicts between the two large organizations, to some degree, are among the causes of the development of more "radical" elements among Muslims. It is important, therefore, to facilitate cooperation among such groups.