Artikel: Indonesian Islam

The Uniqueness of Islam in Indonesia

By Ali Romdhoni

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Ali Romdhoni with Haidar Bagir

In Indonesia, there are many community organizations. Many of theme are Nahdlatul Ulama, Muhammadiyah, Persis, and Al-Ershad. The four organizations have thousands and even millions of followers (the congregation). It has also a tradition of Islamic study dynamic and is practices by members of the community.

In NU there are Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), madrasah and Islamic universities. At Muhammadiyah also has Islamic schools and modern Islamic campus. There are also hospitals and orphanages. In addition, Persis and Al-Ershad also develop Islamic studies center. These organizations help to the Indonesian people become civilized and independent.

Although NU and Muhammadiyah are different, but all of them teach them to be a good person, a strong family. They do not instruct to members to hate other groups. But the competition is no problem. And what happeneds is a competition to be the best.

This is typical of Indonesian Islam. Diversed and colorful, but it is in the frame of the Indonesian state.

Actually, Islam in the world has many experiances to save diversity. It has grown up in Mecca since 650, and in Nusantara since 1400s. Some cases in other countries shows if forces to have same opinion it will give the bad effect, for example, a physical fighting. In addition, the values in Islam also teach us to appreciate the diversity. The most important think is to become a good person and helpful to others.
So, appreciating to the diversity is the best solution. In addition, becoming Indonesian nation can be our motivation. It will be peaceful in the differences.