Book Review: Islamic Political Discourse in the Reform Era

The connection between the state and Islam is a dynamic and important theme inIndonesian political discourse, a situation inseparable from some Muslims' aspirationsfor Islam to become the ideology (foundation) of the state. In the important politicalevents that have occurred, such polemics have often emerged and become sources ofserious political tensions.Carool Kersten's book, an Indonesian-language translation of Islam inIndonesia: The Contest for Society, Ideas, and Values (2015), examines thecontestations of discourses and actors during Indonesia's Reform Era within therelationship of the state and religion (Islam). This book comprehensively explains how two groups—progressive Muslims and conservative (reactionary) Muslims—havecontinued their predecessors' struggles. It focuses specifically on the first group, as wellas the diverse sub-discourses included therein.