Contestation of Ideological Thought in Indonesian Islamic Discourse (2009-2015): Idrus Ramli's Role and Contribution

Abstract

The contestation of Islamic discourse in Indonesia, as the world's largest Muslim-majority country, holds significant importance because it influences social, political, and religious stability. This study is crucial for understanding the internal dynamics of Indonesian Sunni Islam, where debates among traditional, liberal, Wahhabi, and Shia streams have intensified in the post-reformasi era, potentially leading to polarization if not managed through scholarly dialogue. The objective is to analyze Idrus Ramli's profile and role as a conservative Sunni intellectual in Islamic discourse from 2009 to 2015, justified by his moderate position within the spectrum of understandings, which offers a constructive dialectical model distinct from that of liberal figures like Ulil Abshar Abdalla and Said Aqil Siradj. The research employs Kuntowijoyo's historical approach, encompassing heuristics (collecting sources such as books, articles, news, and videos), source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. Findings reveal Idrus Ramli's active involvement in controversial debates, including dialogues with the Liberal Islam Network on pluralism, tabayyun with Said Aqil Siradj on Aswaja liberalization, and discussions with Wahhabis and Shias on bid’ah, grave pilgrimage, and imamah. The debate highlights his affiliation with NU Garis Lurus, which opposes liberal trends within NU, while adopting a progressive stance toward Wahhabism. The novelty lies in mapping Idrus Ramli as a "bridge" between factions, an underexplored aspect in contemporary Indonesian Islamic studies. This research contributes by enriching the literature on Islamic discourse, supporting inclusive Islamic Nusantara narratives, and promoting ongoing dialogue to reduce religious polarization in Indonesia.