Understanding the Context and Concept of Islam Nusantara

Over the past few decades, specific approaches and conceptualisations of Islam have been promoted in Southeast Asia, notably Islam Nusantara (IN) in Indonesia and Islam Hadhari in Malaysia. In Indonesia, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), a prominent Indonesian Islamic organisation, currently allied with the ruling government, champions the IN concept. However, IN is conceptualised and viewed in many ways, both positively and negatively. This article seeks to provide a broad context for discussions concerning IN in post-Reformasi Indonesia. It will identify and discuss significant factors and developments, both historical and factual, internal and external, that have impacted Islam in Indonesia and are relevant to these issues in order to understand why Islam Nusantara is addressed and conceptualised in such distinctive ways.