Religious dogma, pluralism and pragmatism : constitutional Islamism in Indonesian politics (1998-2002)

Abstract

This thesis examines the nature and development of Islamism in Indonesia between 1998 and 2002. The New Order regime (1966-1998) suppressed ideologically driven Islam. Islamic political aspirations for most of this period were channelled mainly through the Partai Persatuan Pembangunan ('United Development Party', PPP). In 1998, many new Islamist parties were established. The most important were Partai Keadilan ('Justice Party', PK) and Partai Bulan Bintang ('Crescent Star Party', PBB). The main support base ofPK was Islamic study groups from state universities. PBB intended to revive the ideals of Masyumi, the country's largest Islamist party of the 1950s. A large part of this study focuses on the political behaviour of PPP, PK and PBB. Much of the scholarly literature on Islamic politics undervalues Islamism's constitutionalism and reformist credentials. At the same time, it is rarely sensitive to the contradictions in Islamist politics and the causes of this. Many scholars approach the subject from a Western liberal point of view. This thesis critiques this literature and advances a more nuanced approach by examining Islamist politics on its own terms. The study gives particular attention to the dynamic between ideological idealism and political pragmatism. It will demonstrate that, for the most part, pragmatism prevailed in Islamist politics. It does not discount ideologically driven motives but holds that these were often subordinate to practical electoral considerations, in particular the need to appear pluralist and reform oriented. It will also point to political strategy as the crucial factor behind Islamism's manifold ambiguities. The thesis also discusses ideological and strategic aspects in the re-formation process of Islamist parties and the downplaying of shari'ah (Islamic law) issues in order to maximise electoral support and the share of power politic.