After Shari‘ah: Islamism and Electoral Dynamics at Local Level in Indonesia

Abstract

In recent years, scholars have considered that in addition to the ideological factor, the implementation of shari’ah in Indonesia is caused by voter mobilization. In other words, shari’ah regulatory policy at local level is influenced by the interests of local politicians to influence voter preferences in seeking votes and winning elections. This article reviews some of the theses by analyzing Islamism and electoral dynamics in two regions which implement many shari’ah regulations. This article deals with the latest trends “after shari’ah” (as being or has been applied), looking for similarities and differences, as it predicts the future by correlating local shari’ah and electoral issues in Aceh and South Sulawesi. The article found that there is a tendency for local politicians to no longer use shari’ah issues as the primary means of mobilization to influence voters. It is also found that the Islamic shari’ah no longer affected voter preferences at grassroots level in both Aceh and Sulawesi, despite the growing trend of public display of religiosity in Muslim societies in general. This phenomenon, while it explains an apparent shift in movement of local actors, it as well suggests a similar shift in the Muslim community’s attitude toward shari’ah politics. Conceivably there is an increasing recognition of the politics of welfare over that of shar’iah politics that is now being massively displayed in the electoral politics in Indonesia.