Between tradition and change, moderation and extremism

Abstract

The rapid democratisation that followed the fall of Soeharto's repressive ‘New Order’ in 1998 allowed a public expression of Islamic identity in ways unimaginable just a few years earlier. The so-called ‘Islamic revival’ that ensued led to rising religious intolerance and popular calls for greater recognition of shari'a (Islamic law). However, although Indonesia certainly has some radical Islamist schools, most Islamic educational institutions, like those who teach and work in them, are not supporters of extreme Islamist ideas or even conservative religious intolerance. In fact, many make significant efforts to counter these ideas and promote religious pluralism. However, religious extremism..