Sufism, Islamization and Politic in Indonesia by Nihayatul Wafiroh

We cannot argue that Islamization in Indonesia connected to Sufism or Tasawuf. Historians believe that Indonesian was known in Indonesia since 7th and 8th century, however Islam just developed in 13th century. The groups of people who took rules in the developing of Islam were Sufi organizations. According to Alwi Shihab in his book, “Islam Pertama” dan Pengaruhnya Hingga Kini di Indonesia, Sufism influenced for the spread of Islam widely in Southeast Asia areas although after that there is differences of opinion on the arrival orders, whether in conjunction with the arrival of Islam or came later (p. 36).

Sufism is not only a religious movement but also it involves in a political sphere. Indeed, Sufism takes an important role to strengthen the position of Islam in the country and community, and the development of the wider society. Sastono Kartodirdjo in his book, Pemberontakan Petani Banten 1888, said that in 19th century, Sufi groups became an effective tool to organize a religious movement and the ideal of resurrection (p. 173). There are many groups of Sufism in Indonesia. Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) through Jam’iyah Tariqat al-Mu’tabaroh claims that there are 46 groups of Sufism which are recognized its validity (mu’tabaroh).

How are the functions of Sufi groups in politic areas in recent centuries? Indeed, during colonialist era, the roles of Sufi groups in the promoting independency could not be declared. Right now some of Sufi groups still take places in the politic. However I would like to ask : Do Sufi groups still keep the idealism of Islamic perspectives or the basic ideals of Sufism when they play in politic right now?