SECURING THE STATE, DEFENDING THE RELIGION: An Analysis of Boelan Sabit Newspaper Publications (December 1945-January 1946)

Abstract

This article discusses how the narration of Islamic-ness and Indonesian-ness in the midst of the war of independence was represented in an Islamic newspaper called Boelan Sabit. The period under study is a month (December 15, 1945-January 14, 1946). Using the historical method, the research findings revealed that Boelan Sabit newspaper incessantly called for Indonesian Muslims to defend Indonesian independence from Dutch colonialism and British occupation based on both Islam and nationalism. The newspaper ensured its Muslim readers that the period of independence was a time to strengthen the two identities inherent in them, namely a son of Indonesia and a Muslim. In this regard, this newspaper took the legitimacy and inspiration in maintaining Indonesian independence from the Quran and other resources of Islamic teachings. In addition, Boelan Sabit newspaper encouraged Muslim readers to have broad knowledge concerning on affairs of state through publishing articles about modern state-related concepts, including deliberation, sovereignty, democracy, and dominion status. Further, this newspaper had a role in helping Indonesian Muslims to understand and accept their new identity after the second world war as a patriotic Indonesian citizen as well as a pious Muslim.