Journal of Political Islam (JOPI) is an academic journal published by the Department of Political Science three times (June, September, and December). This journal emphasizes the specifications of political practice and discourse from the individual, organizations, or government regarding Islamic Studies. This journal openly accepts the contributions of experts from related disciplines. Not all published articles represent the views of journals or other institutions with links to journal publications. Title : Journal of Political Islam Editor in Chief : Dr. Moch. Mubarok Muharam, M.IP Citation Analysis : Scopus Citedness, Dimensions DOI Prefix : 10.26740/jopi Publisher : Universitas Negeri Surabaya Frequency : June, September, and December
Criticism of the Politicization of Religion: Islam as a Source of Ethics, Not a Tool of Power
The politicization of religion, particularly Islam, has become an important focus in contemporary academic and political discourse. In many Muslim-majority countries, religion is no longer viewed solely as a moral guide and social value, but is increasingly used for electoral interests, policy manipulation, and legitimization of power. The politicization of religion has become a prominent phenomenon in social and political activities. The politicization of religion is prevalent in Indonesia, resulting in religious values often being used as a tool of power. This has triggered conflict and caused deviations from the essence of Islamic teachings. This background forms the basis for research on the theme of the phenomenon of Islamic politics. This study aims to critique the politicization of religion in practice by emphasizing Islam as a source of ethics, not as a tool of power. The method used in this study is a literature review of several relevant previous scientific journals on the politicization of religion and its political ethics. The ethical dimension of Islam offers a framework for promoting inclusive governance and combating authoritarianism. This article highlights how the politicization of religion can destroy social harmony and weaken the legitimacy of religious institutions and democratic structures. Therefore, a reorientation is needed to restore the moral power of Islam in civil life, while maintaining political autonomy from sectarian and populist influences. This study concludes with a call to build an ethical Islamic discourse that encourages critical engagement, democratic participation, and the protection of human dignity.
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The Dynamics of Islamic Political Parties in Indonesia During the Reform Era: A Study of the Role, Strategy, and Behavior of Voters in Elections
This study aims to comprehensively examine the dynamics of Islamic political parties in Indonesia during the Reform Era, focusing on the evolution of their roles, the transformation of their electoral strategies, the factors influencing fluctuations in voter support, as well as their challenges and relevance in the future. Using qualitative research methods with a literature review approach, this study analyzes how Islamic political parties have adapted to the changing political landscape after the New Order. The findings of this study indicate that the role of Islamic parties has expanded, not only as a channel for the aspirations of the people but also as active contributors to legislation, political education, and checks and balances mechanisms. Electoral support has experienced significant fluctuations influenced by the complex interaction of ideological factors (the solidity of Islamic narratives), sociological factors (traditional mass bases and young voters), and pragmatic factors (leadership, party performance, and logistics). Faced with these dynamics, Islamic parties have transformed their campaign strategies by adopting broader public issues, utilizing modern media, and forming political coalitions that tend to be pragmatic. Despite facing serious challenges such as maintaining voter loyalty, fragmentation, public perception, and leadership regeneration, Islamic political parties have maintained their relevance as an important component of Indonesian democracy, voicing the aspirations of significant segments of society and contributing to political plurality. This study contributes to the academic understanding of the adaptation and development of Islamic politics in the context of democratization in Indonesia.
Religious Moderation and Political Communication: The Strategic Role of NU and Muhammadiyah Post 2024 Election
The 2024 elections reaffirmed the importance of religion in safeguarding Indonesian democracy. Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, as the two largest Islamic organizations, contribute to shaping public opinion, maintaining stability, and voicing the values of religious moderation. This study aims to analyze the political communication strategies of NU and Muhammadiyah after the 2024 elections, highlighting the narratives of moderation they have constructed, the responses of the public and the media to their religious political attitudes, and the differences in communication approaches between the two organizations. The approach used is descriptive qualitative with a literature study and document analysis method. The findings show that NU tends to utilize symbolic and traditional approaches through the Islam Nusantara narrative, while Muhammadiyah emphasizes a rational-institutional approach through official media and policy advocacy. Although they differ in communication style and channels, both substantively convey moderate, tolerant, and nation-oriented religious messages. These findings reinforce the position of NU and Muhammadiyah as strategic actors in Islamic political communication in contemporary Indonesia.
Between Sharia and Secularism: The Dynamics of Ideological Conflict in the Formation of the Indonesian State INDONESIA
This article attempts to analyze how two ideological blocs emerged at the beginning of independence, namely Islamic nationalism and secularism, which led to the ratification of the Jakarta Charter. The change in the first principle regarding Islamic law for its adherents to Belief in One God sparked debate at the BPUPKI session. There were changes in the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution in Article 6 paragraph (1), as well as negotiations on the revision of the first principle, coupled with the long-term impact on Islamic politics. This study applies a descriptive analysis method with data collection techniques through literature study. The purpose of this analysis is to provide an organized and accurate description of the facts and characteristics of the object or phenomenon being studied, as well as to analyze and detail the literature related to the topic being studied. The conflict between the two sides with different views began at the beginning of Indonesia's independence during the BPUPKI session. The two parties were Islamic Nationalists who wanted the formation of an Islamic state and Secular Nationalists who longed for a national state. From this intense debate, several changes occurred in the foundations of the Pancasila state, the 1945 Constitution, and the formation of the nine-member committee.
Islamic Political Thought of Partai Persatuan Pembangunan Party in the Era of Globalization: Challenges and Opportunities for Islamic Parties in the Modern Era
This study critiques the dynamics of Islamic political thought promoted by PPP Party in facing the reality of globalization that affects the national political landscape. Globalization not only brings positive implications in the form of information openness and economic integration, but also challenges the existence of Islamic political ideology in a public sphere that is increasingly pluralistic, rational, and pragmatic. As an Islamic party inherited from the political fusion of the New Order era, the PPP is required to reformulate its ideological basis and political strategy in order to remain relevant amid changes in the demographics and political preferences of contemporary society. Using a descriptive and reflective approach based on academic literature from the last two decades, this article examines the PPP's position in the dialectic between Islamic idealism and modern political reality. The results of the study show that the PPP has not been entirely successful in bridging normative Islamic values and dynamic electoral needs, but strategic opportunities remain open if the party is able to promote internal renewal, build a contextual moderate Islamic narrative, and adopt a political communication approach that is responsive to the digital generation. These findings emphasize the importance of revitalizing the role of Islamic parties in building substantive democracy in Indonesia through moderation, inclusiveness, and institutional transformation.
Unpacking Muslim Scholars’ Political Apathy in Northern Nigeria: Beyond the Pulpit to Political Engagement
Abstract Muslim scholars have historically been recognised as key figures in stabilising both the spiritual and political spheres in Northern Nigeria. Despite these roles, they have increasingly shown a decline in active engagement, creating space for incompetent or self-serving individuals to dominate governance. Sectarian divisions, lack of political literacy, financial limitations, and negative perceptions of politics as a ‘dirty’ game all worsen political apathy. This study argues that the withdrawal of Muslim scholars from political engagement, such as contesting, contradicts the theological and historical foundations of Islam, which emphasise leadership, public welfare, and justice. Consequently, this apathy diminishes scholars’ moral authority and hinders Muslim communities from influencing governance positively. The study aims to highlight the necessity of redefining scholars’ roles beyond the pulpit to include active involvement in governance. A descriptive approach within the qualitative method was employed, relying largely on secondary sources and personal interviews with Muslim scholars and politicians in Northern Nigeria. This triangulation fosters a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and impacts of political apathy among scholars. The findings indicate that factors such as godfatherism, greed among scholars, misconceptions among the public, and sectarian divisions contribute to this apathy. It also reveals that, whereas Christian clerics actively contest elections, Muslim scholars largely abstain, leading to a leadership vacuum. This results in a decline in public trust. Therefore, by engaging in politics with integrity, Muslim scholars can restore public confidence and exemplify leadership based on Islamic principles of justice and accountability.