Islam and Multiculturalism in Indonesia

By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEI

A. Introduction

Indonesia, as a country rich in cultural, religious, ethnic, and linguistic diversity, exemplifies a multicultural society where various noble values meet and interact. Amidst this diversity, Islam, as the majority religion, plays an important role in shaping harmonious and inclusive social values. Indonesia’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika—unity in diversity—demonstrates that differences are not barriers but rather strengths that can enrich the nation. Islam, with its universal and inclusive teachings, provides the moral and ethical foundation that strengthens the principle of multiculturalism in Indonesia.

However, the journey of Islam and multiculturalism in Indonesia is not without challenges. In facing globalization and ongoing social dynamics, it is crucial to explore how Islamic teachings interact with multiculturalism in Indonesia, and how society can preserve harmony within its diversity. Therefore, a deeper understanding of Islam, multiculturalism, and their relevance in Indonesia’s pluralistic context is essential.

1. Definition of Islam

Islam is a monotheistic religion revealed by Allah through His messages to the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Its teachings are contained in the Qur’an as the holy scripture, and the Hadith as the Prophet’s tradition. Islam teaches monotheism (Tawhid), as well as doctrines on worship, morality, and social relations that prioritize peace, justice, and compassion. In Islamic teachings, every human being is valued in dignity and encouraged to live harmoniously with others and with the universe.

One of the important values in Islam is ukhuwah, or brotherhood, which applies not only among Muslims but also across different religious communities, based on principles of mutual respect, appreciation, and cooperation for the common good.

2. Definition of Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism is a worldview or policy that acknowledges, values, and celebrates cultural diversity within society. It is a principle that views cultural, ethnic, religious, and linguistic differences as assets that should be managed and appreciated rather than seen as obstacles. Socially, multiculturalism emphasizes respect for diversity and the need for intercultural dialogue to create a peaceful, fair, and inclusive society.

In Indonesia, multiculturalism is not just a social principle but also a foundational element of national identity, accommodating various ethnicities, cultures, and religions. This principle is supported by the motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which serves as a basis for national life.

3. The Relevance of Islam and Multiculturalism in Indonesia

In Indonesia, Islam has great potential to advance multiculturalism. Islamic teachings that encourage tolerance, social justice, and respect for human rights can serve as key pillars in creating a peaceful and harmonious society despite its diversity. The Indonesian society, comprising various ethnicities, religions, and cultures, needs a framework that promotes appreciation for differences and cooperation toward collective well-being.

However, the application of Islamic values within the context of multiculturalism in Indonesia also faces challenges, such as religious radicalization and identity politics. Therefore, it is important to continually promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and to uphold the universal principles within Islamic teachings to foster peace and social harmony amid diversity.

With a profound understanding of Islam and multiculturalism, Indonesia is expected to continue developing as a nation capable of managing diversity wisely and preserving unity within differences.

B. Islam as a Religion that Supports Multiculturalism

1. The Principle of Tolerance in Islamic Teachings

Islam teaches tolerance and respect for differences. Several teachings in Islam support multiculturalism, including:

Tolerance towards other religious communities: The Qur’an contains numerous verses advocating respect for those of different faiths, as seen in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256): “There is no compulsion in religion.”

Brotherhood among all of humanity: Islam promotes the concept of ukhuwah (brotherhood) not only among Muslims but also among people of different religions. This concept encourages respect for the basic rights of individuals with differing beliefs.

2. Equality and Justice in Islam

Islam teaches the principle of equality before Allah, meaning that every individual, Muslim or non-Muslim, holds equal dignity under the law. This leads to efforts to build a just and inclusive society. Islam emphasizes the importance of social justice and does not discriminate based on ethnicity, race, or religion.

3. Islam and Local Wisdom

Islam in Indonesia has adapted to the local wisdom of various regions, creating cultural expressions that combine Islamic values with local traditions. Examples include:

Islamic customs and traditions: Such as in wedding ceremonies infused with local culture while retaining the essence of Islamic teachings.

Art and culture: In performing arts like wayang kulit (shadow puppetry) that combines Islamic stories with Javanese culture, or traditional music like gamelan which often includes religious messages.

C. The Role of Islamic Scholars and Intellectuals in Multiculturalism

1. Scholars’ Role in Maintaining Social Harmony

In Indonesia, Islamic scholars (ulama) play a crucial role in maintaining and strengthening interfaith harmony. They act not only as spiritual leaders for Muslims but also as mediators in resolving social conflicts that may arise from religious and cultural differences.

2. Islamic Intellectuals and Interfaith Dialogue

Indonesian Islamic intellectuals, such as Nurcholish Madjid and Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), have emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and the strengthening of tolerance within society. They believe that pluralistic Indonesia requires a willingness to respect and understand differences.

D. Multiculturalism in Social Practice in Indonesia

1. Religious Pluralism in Indonesia

Indonesia is home to major religions such as Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, as well as traditional beliefs. As the country with the largest Muslim population, Indonesia has great potential for fostering interfaith synergy. In many instances, Indonesians have successfully shown that religious differences do not hinder peaceful coexistence, such as during joint celebrations of religious holidays without significant conflicts.

2. Identity Politics and Its Challenges

In recent years, there has been a trend of rising identity politics based on religion. Some groups use religion to advance certain political agendas, which sometimes leads to social polarization. This often threatens the principle of multiculturalism by emphasizing differences rather than commonalities.

3. State Policies in Supporting Multiculturalism

The Indonesian government plays a role in facilitating multiculturalism by issuing policies that accommodate diversity. Examples include the recognition of religious holidays for various religions and policies on religious freedom, as reflected in the 1945 Constitution.

E. Challenges of Multiculturalism within Islam in Indonesia

1. Religious Radicalization

One of the main challenges is the growth of radical and intolerant Islamic interpretations. Groups promoting radical ideologies often interpret Islamic teachings narrowly, disregarding principles of tolerance and diversity in Islam. The spread of such ideologies through social media, for instance, can incite interfaith tensions and threaten social stability.

2. Intolerance in Religious Practices

Some Islamic groups may hold more exclusive views, seeing their faith as the only true path. This can affect their relations with followers of other religions. There have been incidents of religious intolerance-related violence that need to be addressed with approaches promoting dialogue and mutual understanding.

3. Religious and Ethnic Conflicts

While Indonesia generally maintains social harmony, there are times when religious or ethnic tensions arise, particularly in specific regions. These conflicts are often fueled by social, economic, and political tensions that are exacerbated by religious or ethnic identities..

F. Conclusion

Islam in Indonesia plays a crucial role in realizing and maintaining multiculturalism, given its profound teachings on tolerance, equality, and fraternity. However, challenges such as radicalization, identity politics, and potential conflicts remain to be addressed. Through wise approaches, interfaith dialogue, and education that emphasizes the importance of tolerance and respect for differences, Indonesia can continue to be a model of harmonious diversity in the Muslim world.

Indonesia, with its wealth of culture and diversity, exemplifies that differences are not a barrier to creating peace and harmony. In this context, Islam, with its universal and compassionate teachings, provides a solid foundation for strengthening the principles of multiculturalism. Islam teaches mutual respect and cooperation for the common good, not only among Muslims but also with those of different religions, ethnicities, and cultures.

However, this remarkable diversity requires continuous efforts from all of us, both in maintaining tolerance, preserving unity, and creating spaces for more constructive interfaith and intercultural dialogue. With the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), Indonesia must continue to move forward, harnessing the strength of diversity to foster solidarity, maintain peace, and build a more inclusive future for all its people.

Ultimately, Islam and multiculturalism are not opposing concepts but complement each other in realizing a more just, peaceful, and prosperous society. If we continue to uphold the values of tolerance, justice, and brotherhood, Indonesia will remain a comfortable home for all its people, embracing all its differences.

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