Norshahril Saat, Ahmad Najib Burhani, editors
Date of publication: 2020
Publisher: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Number of pages: 369
Review
Anggi Afriansyah, Studia Islamika (Indonesian Journal for Islamic Studies), Vol. 28: 1, 2021.
“…this book is an important reference to understand the religious situation in Indonesia. The book’s contributors, who are specialists in their own fields, have raised and reflected on key themes that can spur further research. The New Santri can be an important reading for researchers, theologians, state officials, undergraduates, and the general audience who are keen to understand contemporary research on Islam.”
About the publication
“Just like the Gutenberg revolution in the fifteenth century, which led to the emergence of non-conventional religious authority in the Christian world, the current information technology revolution, particularly through mediums such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, has triggered the re-construction and decentralization of religious authority in Islam. New santri (pious individuals) and preachers emerged from the non-conventional religious educational system. They not only challenged the traditional authorities, but also redefine and re-conceptualize old religious terminologies, such as hijra and wasatiyya. This book explores the dynamics of religious authority in Indonesia with special attention to the challenges from the “new santri”. It is a rich and important book on religion. I recommend students of religion in Indonesia and other countries to read it.”
Ahmad Syafi’i Maarif, Professor Emeritus of History at Yogyakarta State University
“An important and timely volume that addresses the changing nature of Islamic leadership in the world’s most popular Muslim country. This book debunks many (mis)perceptions that Indonesia Islam is monolithic. It also redefines dominant characterization of Islam by Orientalist scholars, such as santri and abangan Muslims.”
Haedar Nashir, Chairman of Muhammadiyah
“This edited volume evaluates the new development of Islamic scholarship and authority in Indonesia. Things have changed significantly in recent times that make many observers and researchers wondering: has Indonesia moved from traditional authorities, mainstream Islamic organizations, and the established scholarship to the new actors, movements and platforms? Has the change occurs owing to the democratization and political reforms that took place in the last twenty years or are there other factors we need to take into account? The contributors in this book provide possible answers from many different areas and perspectives. It’s a must-read!”
Nadirsyah Hosen, Monash University, Australia