Challenging Secularism: Considering Islam and State in Indonesia
Abstract: This paper discussed
the encounter of Indonesian Muslims toward theidea of secularism. Secularism
since its rise in Europe in the 18th century has spread all over the world.
Supporters of secularism have assumed that secularism is undeniable. People
eventually will hold it and apply it in their life, including in the public
space. However, in the context of the relationship between Islam and state in
Indonesia, secularism thesis has been proven failed. During the Indonesian
history, the relationship between Islam and state has been a hot discourse even
until recently. Yet, this paper concluded that one thing is clear; Indonesian
people, especially Indonesian Muslims, have rejected secularism. In the
meantime, some have rejected theocratic state either. Muslims then have endlessly
endeavored to reformulate a viable synthesis on the relationship between Islam
and state in Indonesia. What Indonesia has now is among the efforts of Indonesian Muslims to have a better
formulation on how Islam plays its role in the public space, including in the
political sphere.
Author: Zaenal Muttaqin
Journal Code: jpperadabanislamgg100005
