Javanese Muslims and their indigenous beliefs by Nina Mariani Noor

March, 1st 2010
Indigenous Religions of Indonesia
Readings: - Stephen C. Headley, Durga’s Mosque, Cosmology, conversion, and community in Central Javanese Islam
- MC. Ricklefs, Polarising Javanese Society
By : Nina Mariani Noor
Subject : History of Religion in Indonesia Part I: 20th century

Both two authors talk about Javanese Islam and their practices. They argue that for Javanese, to be Muslims is part of their identity. However, Javanese especially in Central Java are well known for their synthesis between Islam and Javanism in which they embrace Islam and try hard to fulfill the five pillar of Islam as their ritual life but they also practice their indigenous believes such as accepting local spiritual forces like Goddess Sri or Nyai Roro Kidul. I do admit with their arguments about Javanese Muslims since most of Javanese Muslims are proud of declaring that they are Javanese Muslims, not merely Muslims. For us, being Muslims means we are part of ummat Muslims all around the world, but it does not mean that we have to loose our identity as Javanese.
Besides that, as a Javanese and also as a Muslim, I do witness that many Javanese Muslims in my neighborhood still practice their Javanism till today, like believing in the existence and the role of “birth siblings” (sedulur) in the life of a new baby born. It seems to me that the existence of practicing the indigenous belief of Javanism for Javanese Muslims is difficult to be erased because it is part of their identities. In addition, for Javanese, they do not only Islamized Javanese cultures but also Javanized Islamic values in order to be Javanese Muslims.
Talking about synthesis mysticism, Javanese Muslims are always considered as the real example of that practice. My questions is that, do these circumstances also happen in other part of this world? Does it only appear in Java or also in other places? Are there any synthesis between Christianity and European’s indigenous believes for example?
I am interested in Headley’s statement in page 49, “As a secular state, Indonesia is not formally a religious regime, but the Ministry of Religion can hardly be said to be indifferent to the promotion of Islam”. This statement led me to rethink about the relevance of Ministry of Religion for Indonesia as nation-state. And a critical question came to mind, do we still need this Ministry of Religion which in fact is dominated by Muslims? Is it kind of oppression that is committed by the majority through government?
In my opinion, Ministry of Religion can be necessary in one side but also sometimes dangerous on the other side. It is necessary when we talk about its role in providing facilities for worshipping for all religions adherents. However, it is dangerous when it comes to manage and even uniform the beliefs and the way of practicing of religions for people. It would be better if the state lets their people to believe what they believe and practice their beliefs freely without any worried. It often happens recently that some people from dominant religion are trying to force others who do not believe and practice like them by committing violence which causes many losses. And unfortunately, their attempts are mostly based on government’s act. I think, in this religious pluralism, the significance of Ministry of Religion is better to be evaluated.