Chinese Muslims’ Ways of Being Nationalist: Combining Islamic Cosmopolitanism, Acculturation and Social Roles

Achmad Muhibin Zuhri,Winarto Eka Wahyudi,Abdulloh Hamid

doi:10.21043/qijis.v9i2.9649

Abstract

<p>One of the ideas that should also be formalized in the reform movement in Indonesia is addressing the issue related to minority groups. Chinese group in Indonesia is one of civil groups that may experience discrimination to date. As a minority ethnic and Muslim community in Indonesia, Chinese Muslims are inevitably in a vulnerable position. They should prove their patriotism toward the nation, Indonesia. This research finds out that the Chinese have been a community that exists way before Indonesia gained its independence: some even play a significant role in Islamization. Chinese Muslims in Indonesia also contribute to establishing the concept of nationalism in Indonesia. Additionally, Chinese Muslims seem to be successful in contextualizing a more substantial concept of nationalism by positioning Chinese ethnic as a cultural entity, not as a representative of “other nation,” and by assimilating local Muslims to play various societal roles. Besides, Chinese Muslims also practice moderate Islamic values to emphasize that their values do not contradict the national values of Indonesia.</p>

Highlights

Achmad Muhibin Zuhri, Winarto Eka Wahyudi, and Abdulloh Hamid in contextualizing a more substantial concept of nationalism by positioning Chinese ethnic as a cultural entity, not as a representative of “other nation,” and by assimilating local Muslims to play various societal roles
This study aims to depict the Chinese Muslims’ ways of developing and actualizing patriotism
It discusses the issues from the perspectives of nationalism that are more recent and substantial, i.e., to view the essential articulation of Chinese Muslims as a unique hybrid identity

Summary

Introduction

Indonesia is known as a multi-ethnic state, but the racial sentiment has not hitherto been addressed in the public sphere. To be a good citizen, they have to comply with state regulations and establish better relations with local communities through a cultural approach in dealing with political domination In this context, the cultural approach, for instance, is implemented by changing their name into more Indonesian, participating in the general election and social movement, commemorating Islamic days with the local people. The cultural approach was done to strengthen their social relationships with various social groups, to increase the socio-political significance of Chinese citizens, and to give them a bargaining position towards the state Mahfud, in this case, was trying to investigate the issue and report it in a book titled The Role of Cheng Ho Mosque: The New Silk Road, Indonesia-China Relations in Islamic Cultural Identity. Their decision to convert to Islam may not be based on their concept of divinity that they believe is true, but more on the hope to be accepted as a part of Indonesia (Mahfud, 2013)

Rethinking of Nationalism Concept

Nationalism

Being Nationalist

Findings

Conclusion