This edition of Inside Indonesia has grown out of a related research project at Utrecht University titled 'Sacralising Security: Religion, Violence and Megacities of the Global South (SACRASEC). The focus of the project, led by Prof. Martijn Oosterbaan, is on understanding the ways religious actors and organisations are increasingly involved in securitising practices in urban environments, such as Jakarta. In this edition of Inside Indonesia, while touching on security issues, our contributors also extend their analysis to adjacent themes related to contemporary Islamic practice and identity politics.
Part of the aim of this brief snapshot of articles on urban Islam and security is to highlight the multiple ways in which Islam is articulated and drawn upon as well as how its political symbolism is of particularly strong currency in the post-Reformasi era. We believe that in the lead up to the 2024 elections the contested nature of what Islam is and means, will continue to be increasingly important.
Urban Islam and security
Written by Andy Fuller and Zaki Arrobi
Islam is increasingly drawn upon as a source of political symbolism and at the same time, religious actors and organisations are involved in securitising practices in urban Indonesia
Vigilantism, religion and urbanism
An interview with Sana Jaffrey
Vigilantes are able to ‘leverage the state’ to do their bidding
Between an Islamic saint and Che Guevara?
Written by Zaki Arrobi
Jakarta’s urban poor see Habib Rizieq Shihab as a homegrown symbol of resistance and rebelliousness in the midst of their own marginisation
Rebranding for revival
Written by Wahyudi Akmaliah & Cahyo Pamungkas
In an election year, a reunion of the 212 Movement reflects a changing political landscape for urban Islam, but is there also a changing of the guard?
Vigilante partnerships
Written by Andy Fuller
Reclaiming Jakarta with the Forum Betawi Rempug
When Salafism becomes fashionable
Written by Fachri Aidulsyah
By creating a bridge between pop-culture and its teachings, Salafism is becoming increasingly popular among young urban Muslims
Photo essay: Jakarta's gardu
Ahmad Tri Hawaari’s images highlight the long-standing urban form of the gardu or security post that can be found throughout many Indonesian cities