Sharia and Politics in Modern Indonesia.(book review)

11. Title :- Sharia and Politics in Modern Indonesia.
By :- Edited by Arskal Salim & Azyumardi Azra.
Published :-Institute of South East Asian Studies, Singapore. 2003 ( 230 pages)

Outline :- One sector of the Indonesian muslim society wanted Islamic values written into the constitution, but at the last minute Soekarno too it out in favor of a pluristic society. Over most of Soekarno & Soeharto years Islam was acknowledged as the dominant religion, but was largely excluded from the parliamentary law development process, diplomatic outlook etc. Islam was allowed to dominate the aspects of births, deaths & marriage wherein separate courts aligned under Islam principals were allowed to be established, but cam under the broader Civil court system for top down control. Islam outlooks of Fatawa ( Islamic proclamations of right & wrong) were permitted, but had no legal grounds – so became a guide for individuals to follow or not. At times the Zakat (giving donations to the poor) was attempted to be managed on a national bases, but individual mosques refused and so it continues today as a local activity. With the approaching fall of Soeharto, some conciliations in outlook were made to the Islamic parties, but little in substance.