Contextualizing jihad and mainstream Muslim identity in Indonesia: the case of Republika Online

Abstract

Jihad in the history of Islam has developed into a contested doctrine over a period of time. The term jihad as related to any exertion of power has been used in the name of Muslims to justify wars in many parts of the world. On the other hand, the non-violent interpretation of jihad has been promoted by so-called moderate Muslim groups to support a moderating attitude towards colonial powers, un-Islamic authorities and non-Muslims in general. This article investigates the discourse of jihad presented by Republika Online as the biggest Islamic commercial online news service in Indonesia. The article argues that the description of jihad in Republika Online represents an attempt to contextualize the interpretation of jihad by the mainstream moderate Muslim groups in Indonesia. This contextualization suggests the possibility of the interpretation of the doctrine of jihad as an armed struggle as well as other generalized struggles depending on specific local conditions. This specific interpretation also represents the construction of an integrated identity formation by projecting a distinct Indonesian Muslim identity which is Islamic in nature but also bounded by the awareness of a nationalist and an anti-imperialist identity.