RADICALISM IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF ISLAMIC-POPULISM: Trajectory of Political Islam in Indonesia

Abstract

This article aims to analyze radicalism movement in Indonesia from Islamic-Populism perspec­tive. In various academic studies about Islam, radicalism is perceived as an act of violence and terrorism. However, the study of radicalism was not always generating both premises. Populism sees many aggressive measure perpetuated by Muslims against the authoritarian regime is also a source of radicalism. Likewise, the absence of Muslim represen­tation in formal politics has resulted in violence. In Islamic countries, global caliphate and/or implementation of sharia, which have been claimed as the purpose of radical Muslims, actually is the strategy to free themselves from the authoritarian forces. This article will examine deeper onto the dynamics of power of populism within radical groups in Indonesia. This article argues that radical Islamism is deeply connected to local and global histories of Islamist movements. Through the perspective of Islamic-populism, it is found out that radicalism emerged from the spirit of liberation to free Muslims from economic inequality and political marginalization.