Madinah Van Java: the identity and ideology of Tablighi Jamaat in Temboro, Magetan, Indonesia

Abstract

The Indonesian Islamic community, particularly in Java, is known for its moderate nature rooted in local culture, which blends Islam with indigenous practices. In contrast, the Tablighi Jamaat (preaching party) movement from India urges Muslims to embrace comprehensive Islamic teachings aligned with Arab cultural expressions. Despite this contrast, there has been a convergence of Tablighi Jamaat with the traditionally moderate Javanese Islamic community, exemplified by the case of the Pesantren Temboro educational institution. The transformation of Pesantren Temboro from a pioneer of traditional local Islam to an identity influenced by Tablighi Jamaat’s principles displays this influence. This study examines the negotiation of ‘Arab-Islamic’ identity and ideology by Tablighi Jamaat, as facilitated by Pesantren Temboro. The analysis of this process is conducted through a theory of social practice that draws on Pierre Bourdieu’s conceptual framework. Specifically, the study examines the intricacies of habitus formation, the role of various forms of capital in shaping negotiations and resistance by minority groups to Tablighi Jamaat’s attempts at cultural dominance. This research demonstrates the process of identity formation through the creation of habitus within the educational institutions of Pesantren Temboro and the knowledge and cultural transfer system employed by Tablighi Jamaat. The educational systems of both Pesantren Temboro and Tablighi Jamaat serve as potent media for fostering habitus formation at both an objective and a subjective level. The diverse forms of capital possessed by Pesantren Temboro play a significant role in shaping the formation of identity and ideology and serve as strategic tools for asserting cultural dominance by specifying the ideal Islamic culture. Reproductive strategies, educational practices and capital reconversion tactics are used as strategic means of negotiating identity and ideology within the Temboro community. However, the control of various forms of capital also provides a mechanism of cultural power over marginalised groups. Consequently, resistance emerges, whether in a structured or an unstructured form. Structured resistance is adopted by individuals who possess capital, whereas for those lacking capital, strategies of silent resistance or compromise are used to ensure their economic survival. This thesis substantiates Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of practice by emphasising the impact of ‘capital’ beyond the traditional categories of economic, social, cultural and symbolic forms. In this study, religious capital assumes great importance and warrants attention. Further, it is evident that dominance in the religious field extends beyond the cultural and symbolic dimensions to encompass economic capital. Consequently, resistance strategies emerge not only within the cultural and symbolic realms but also as adaptive strategies for economic gain, ensuring both symbolic–cultural survival and economic benefits.

Date of Award	2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Western Sydney University
Supervisor	Adam Possamai (Supervisor), Andrew McWilliam (Supervisor) & Arskal Salim (Supervisor)