Jakarta – Poor knowledge about the history of Islam has led the public to adopt fanaticism and misguided beliefs, which then helps to maintain decades-long economic disparities in the country.
A sociology lecturer from the University of Airlangga in Surabaya, East Java, Airlangga Pribadi, said Islam was actually conceptualized from the idea of sanctity and social justice.
Therefore, the terminology of so-called "progressive Islam" could not be placed on a par with "liberal Islam", in which the latter recognizes the idea of capitalism and justifies the oppression of the public, he went on.
Airlangga said progressive Islam must be seen as a method of social critique. "Indonesia in the post-Soeharto era has brought into an oligarchic capitalism that has carried us into neo-liberal capitalism," Airlangga said.
The sociologist was speaking in a discussion on the sidelines of the Belok Kiri (Turn Left) Festival at the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI) office in Central Jakarta on Saturday.
"Many companies, which dominate our social and political spheres, emerged during that era," Airlangga said. "At the same time, fanatical Muslims have been nurtured and used to support the dominant power of oligarch groups," he went on.
Citing examples, Airlangga said regional leaders had often exploited hard-line Islamic groups to support and legitimate their authority.
The Belok Kiri Festival is a major collective project developed by and for younger activists who strive for greater freedom of speech. Prepared a year ago, the event is being hosted by 40 volunteers aged between 18 and 40 from major cities across Indonesia. (vps/ebf)(+)