Indonesia and Islam

[jake williams]

I'm sort of curious about the Islamic history of Indonesia. Why is it a "Muslim country"? How religious are its Muslims? Why?

[Yehuda Stern]

Indonesia's population is almost 90% Muslim, and it is the most populous Muslim-majority country in the world. As to the extent of the religiousness of common Indonesians, I don't really know. I get the impression that it used to be pretty moderate, but that many people became much more religious during the Suharto years. I'm not expert on the subject, though.

Interesting anecdote, by the way - the Indonesian CP was formed as a left split from a Muslim trade union.

[Nothing Human Is Alien]

Islam spread to Indonesia over the course of 4 centuries (starting with the 13th). It was brought by Muslim traders. Kings adopted it first, others followed.

The member of Knight of Cydonia who posts here is from Indonesia. Perhaps you could ask her for some info about modern conditions.

[monkeydust]

Indonesia is Muslim because of the influence of Muslim traders in Middle Ages. It stood at the eastern rim of Islam's naval sphere of influence. The Western reaches of Indonesia, particularly upper Sumatra, are still the most fervently religious.

How seriously do they take it? It varies, but generally not very! I've been to Indonesia, and while most of the people there believe in Allah and pray five times a day, they're happy to drink alcohol, quite liberal in their treatment of women, and even tolerant of homosexuals. Many parts of Indonesia are Muslim in name only. There is an argument to say they're getting more radicalized as of late, however.