Qurtuby, Sumanto Al
(2017)
Arabs And "Indo-arabs" In Indonesia:
Historical Dynamics, Social Relations
And Contemporary Changes.
International Journal of Asia Pacific Studies (IJAPS), 13 (2).
pp. 45-72.
ISSN ISSN: 1823-6243
Abstract
This article outlines the origins, development and historical dynamics of Arabs in
Indonesia and discusses responses of Indonesians, particularly Muslims, towards
this group. It sketches a variety of Indonesia's Arabs—sadah and non-sadah alike—
and their contributions to the shape of Indonesian Islam, Islamic cultures and
Muslim politics. It also traces the roots of—and depicts the historical dynamics and
changes—social relations and interactions between Arabs and local populations.
The relations between Arabs and non-Arabs in the country have always been marked
with conflict and tensions on the one hand, and peace and cooperation on the other.
Some Muslims in the country "have admired" and built a strong relationship with
the Arabs and "Indo-Arabs" while others have denounced them as the destroyers
of Indonesia's local traditions, civic pluralism, social stability and interreligious
tolerance. This article tries to portray this paradox, discuss factors contributing to
the damaging image of Arabs in contemporary Indonesia, and explain the rationales
behind it. Lastly, it discusses prospects and the possibilities of the constructive
relationships between Arabs, Indo-Arabs, and other nationals, social groupings,
and ethnicities in the country.
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