Paths of Spiritual Devotion: Investigating Urip Sejati Adherents in Onggosoro, Giritengah, through the Lens of Religious Moderation

2023-12-01T22:42:19+07:00

This research delves into the phenomenon of Urip Sejati adherence among the community of Onggosoro in Giritengah. Urip Sejati is a religious concept rooted in Javanese spirituality, emphasizing a path of devotion that seeks inner enlightenment and harmony. The study employs a comprehensive lens of religious moderation to examine individuals' practices, beliefs, and attitudes to illuminate how Urip Sejati followers negotiate their spiritual pursuits within the context of contemporary religious dynamics. Drawing upon a qualitative approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and analysis of relevant documents. The research sought to explore the extent to which Urip Sejati adherents embody religious moderation in their daily lives, how their practices reflect principles of inclusivity, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue, and whether their spiritual journey promotes social cohesion within the broader community. Findings reveal diverse expressions of Urip Sejati devotion, with adherents navigating a balance between individual spiritual exploration and communal interconnectedness. Furthermore, the study uncovers various factors influencing religious moderation within the Urip Sejati context, including historical and cultural backgrounds, socio-political dynamics, and interactions with neighboring religious traditions. This research contributes to the existing discourse on religious moderation, highlighting the significance of local spiritual practices in fostering tolerance and coexistence. It underscores the need for nuanced understandings of religiosity beyond traditional institutional frameworks and posits Urip Sejati as a compelling case study for engaging with the intricacies of religious diversity in contemporary society. The findings not only enrich our comprehension of Urip Sejati as a religious phenomenon but also contribute to broader discussions on the dynamic interplay between devotion, moderation, and communal dynamics in the realm of faith

What Neo-FPI offers toward the Muslim Community: Exploring a New Face of Islamic Activism and Populism in Indonesia

2023-12-01T22:53:20+07:00

Despite the image of traditional-moderate Islam in Indonesia, a religious-conservatism group such as Islamic Defenders Front (Front Pembela Islam or FPI) had colored Islamic activism and populism in Indonesia in the last two decades. This group is indeed notoriously full of controversy because of harsh approaches and having a political mission, notably during the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election. The series of violent approaches and opposing Pancasila ideology then lead to the disbandment of FPI at the end of 2020 through a joint ministerial decision that brought several consequences, particularly in public perception. On the one hand, some might assume that public security, peace, and tranquillity have been achieved by violence-based group, but on the other hand, some might argue that this dissolution has received public sympathy as the government seems to be more authoritative and FPI bravely keep opposing and channeling public disappointment. Afterward, in early January 2021 with a new name, Islamic Brotherhood Front (Front Persaudaraan Islam or Neo-FPI) was reborn. This study aimed at exploring how Neo-FPI responds and transforms after being dissolved constitutionally by the government and to what extent this rebirth is accepted by the Muslim community. Through Sidney Tarrow’s social movement theory, this research will assess Neo-FPI as a discourse of Islamic activism and populism through library research and will interview the group’s members. The result of the study shows that the Neo-FPI might try to attempt on humanistic approach and moderation within the religious movement. However, substantially this group will not be different from the old version like an apple that falls not far from the tree. In addition, it is interesting to see how this group coup with the pandemic situation as the group’s leader has been sentenced to jail due to legal issues.

At-Tafkir

Paths of Spiritual Devotion: Investigating Urip Sejati Adherents in Onggosoro, Giritengah, through the Lens of Religious Moderation

What Neo-FPI offers toward the Muslim Community: Exploring a New Face of Islamic Activism and Populism in Indonesia