Page 421 - INDONESIAN ISLAMIC CULTURE IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES

the Ministry of Religious Affairs in its duties and functions in the wider Dutch colonial period and it has been a and the 1970s are recorded as periods
post-independent Indonesia is often framework of nation building. Its main hot issue in post-independent Indonesia. when Christianization was intensively
seen as the ruling regime’s success task in the government is to buildup The Dutch government was not neutral conducted which incited discord
in constitutionally, physically, and religious life of the Indonesian nation, towards the religions of its colonies, as it and suspicion between Muslims and
bureaucratically thwarting Islamic maintaining harmonious inter-religious had promised, but rather, it was in favor Christians that led to religious polemics.
forces. 7 relations, and to play an active role in of the groups who adhered to religions This was clearly a serious problem for
social welfare. To do this, it carries out the Dutch adhered to. 10 maintaining inter-religious harmony.
9
Nevertheless, the position of the general supervision and guidance and Therefore, creating and maintaining
Indonesian regimes towards Islamic it offersservicesfor religious life. It does Christianization took place in many religious harmony became one of
groups has changed, especially during not involve itself in theological matters areas and the Dutch colonial government the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ main
the New Order period. These changes orin the internal affairs of religions facilitated it financially and politically. functions.
have had a number of consequences. and their adherents. The Ministry of During the reign of Governor-General
One was that Muslims occupy Religious Affairs only has the authority Idenburg (1909-1916) for example the Following the polemics on the state’s
increasingly more important positions to regulate believers’ relations with the government gave massive subsidies to basic foundation during the early years
in the government structure while the state and religious life on Indonesian the construction of zending (missionary) of independence, which were more or
roles and functions of the Ministry of soil. hospitals and the opening of missionaries less related to the issue of inter-religious
11
Religious Affairs within the context of territories in Solo. Although the Kantoor relations, Islam-Christianity relations
national development also became more The Ministry of Religious Affairs voor Inlandsche Zaken under C. Snouck were increasingly tense and sometimes
and more prominent. This can be seen manages all issues pertaining to Hurgronje’s leadership published a even led to conflicts. Therefore, the
government made efforts to ease
in the New Order government’s great religious life in Indonesia. Islamic affairs decree strictly prohibiting proselytization and solve the problems. In 1967, two
affection for Islam since the 1980s. fall under the Directorate-General of in Islamic areas, such as Aceh, years after the issuance of the 1965
8
Islamic Education, Directorate General
At the time, Indonesia witnessed of Hajj and Umrah, and the Directorate Christianization quickly penetrated into PNPS law, the Ministry of Religious
the endorsement of pro-Muslim General of Islamic Guidance; the other areas. 12 Affairs, under the leadership of K.H.
governmental policies as well as the affairs of religions other than Islam are Although in a different intensity and with Muhammad Dahlan took the initiative to
government’s accommodation of Islamic managedby the Directorate Generals other activities, Christianization remained hold inter-religious dialogues. However,
groups through the establishment of of Guidance for Christians, Catholics, even though the Dutch had to pull out the program did not have a clear
Muslim-based strategic organizations. Hindus, and Buddhists. of the archipelago in 1949. The 1960s concept and was still held on avery
The Ministry of Religious Affairs’ crucial 10. Suminto 1985, Politik Islam, p. 20-26. See limited scope. The Ministry of Religious
position is reflected, for instance, in Religious Harmony also Deliar Noer 1980, Gerakan Modern Islam di Affairs reformulated its concept for
Indonesia 1900-1942, (Jakarta: LP3ES), pp. 187-
Paramadina, LSI and Prenada Media Group), p. Christianization took place during the 194. inter-religious dialogues under Minister
2-3. 9. Taher 1997, Aspiring for the Middle Path: 11. Suminto 1985, Politik Islam, pp. 23-24; Noer Mukti Ali (1971-1978). Because in this
7. Effendy 2009, Islam dan Negara, p. 3. Religious Harmony in Indonesia, (Jakarta: 1980, Gerakan Modern Islam, p. 191. period a variety of programs including
8. Effendy 2009, Islam dan Negara, p. 363. CENSIS). 12. Suminto 1985, Politik Islam, p. 24. dialogues, seminars, research, and

410 Indonesian Islamic Culture in Historical Perspectives Indonesian Islamic Culture in Historical Perspectives 411