Tussle of Identity Politics Within Indonesian Islamic Parties: Study of PAN, PKB, and PKS
Yeby Maasan Mayrudin, M.A. and M. Chairil Akbar, M.A.
Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Jakarta
Abstract
This study seeks to conduct a critical analysis of the vision and practice of Political Islam held by the leading Islamic parties in Indonesia: PKS, PAN and PKB. Strategy and the methods adopted by the three parties are not always based linearly with Islamic style. The analysis will be directed at explaining their adaptive actions and changes in response to the concrete political realities and developments. Political Islam will be placed in the context not only in terms of identity and ideological elements but also in its intersection with efforts to achieve the targets of political power and success in general elections both in a short-term and a long term. The authors believe that the theme of Political Islam is very interesting after observing the phenomenon of national politics especially since 2017. Strengthened Islamic identity sentiment through the National Movement of Guarding MUI Fatwa or GNPF-MUI has undeniably attracted more public attention. Political mobilization against the case of blasphemy by the Governor of Jakarta at that time had opened crucial political spaces. Thus, the struggle for identity politics in Indonesia has become more dynamic and further study or research is highly needed. The development of the Islamic party in Indonesia to a certain degree shows the irony and paradox. In this study the authors used the method of Explanatory cases with a Qualitative approach. Explanatory case study methods is used to explain more deeply the research questions that focus on PKB, PAN, and PKS. Discourse on identity politics often used as a shield to advocate for their short-term political achievements. In turn, the struggle for Politic of Islamic identity may lead to all significant changes in internal party mechanisms and reinterpretation of party values in a more moderate direction and accommodating to their political environment.
Keywords: Political Islam, Islamic Party, Identity Politics, Election
Topic: Political Party and Election