September 11: It Changed the Color Tone, Not the Picture

By Timotius Wibowo
September 11 attack has been the most popular reference in discussing Islam-Western relation in 21st century. However, is the impact as great as many people supposed to? In a certain case, the answer is yes, but in some cases, no. It is true that the attack has been great impact for American people, both in economics and in politics. It is also true, that economical impact of that happened to America had been widely spread in global level. Even, the global economical crisis that followed has not been yet totally overcome. However, the political impact, especially in Southeast Asia is not so great. It might change the tone of the colors, yet it did not change the picture of Islam-Western political relation. Before and after the attack, the people and political groups would still in their previous positions. The radical Islam groups would still radically oppose the Western. The pro-Western political groups would still oppose the radical Islam groups. Similarly, the moderate groups would still stay in between. Why is it as such? In my opinion, there are at least two reason.
First, the radical Muslim group is not the only influential group in Southeast Asia. It is true that the radical group is usually the most vocal one. However, it does not mean that they were the most influential one. Azyumardi Azra points out, “it is terribly wrong to assume that these radical groups are influential in Southeast Asia” (p.19). Second, in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia, Islam is not a monolithic religion, instead multi-facet in many aspects. Even, locality can be a determining factor for what kind of Muslim they would be. As Adeney-Risakotta points out, “Local communities of Muslims are constantly creating new meanings to mediate the conflicting values and demands of their life in the real world” (p.342). In short, multi-facet character of Indonesian and Southeast Asian Islam has save the region from a single and absolute interpretation of September 11, which could easily make the situation worse for both sides. In this sense, there is actually no new interpretation to the event. Every body will interpreted the event as same as what they previously had. Accordingly, there would be minor changes in the political of Muslim people in Southeast Asia.