Being Pious Muslims: Religious Devotion and Radicalism in Indonesia

Abstract

Objectives: This article aims to know the Muslims’ desire and aspiration reflected in the Indonesian Islamic mobilization of 212 action or demonstration. Methods: This article used descriptive qualitative methods. Media news on this mobilization was used to be analyzed. Furthermore, ten participants joining the 212 action were interviewed. Results: Indonesian Muslims have not been radical as assumed. They just have a desire to be pious Muslims. During this time there is a misunderstanding among scholars who are involved in Muslim society and Western politicians who tend to be difficult to distinguish between pious and radical Muslims. The tendency that appears on the surface is their high suspicion of Muslims who have the desire to increase the level of piety in practicing their religion. Conclusion: The 212 action which consists of several volumes, is not threatening religious tolerance in Indonesia. It has nothing to do with the strengthening of Islamic radicalism or the anti-minority movement. The movement was only an accumulation of public piety symptoms of the Islamic community in Indonesia.