Inserting non-muslims into the Islamic party : the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) between political pragmatism and ideological coherence

Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) in Indonesia to include non-Muslims as members and candidates, examining the balance between political pragmatism and ideological coherence. The central argument posits that PKS’s insertion of non-Muslims is a strategic adaptation to Indonesia’s pluralistic and democratic political environment, aimed at enhancing its electoral appeal while maintaining its Islamic ideological substance. The research employs a qualitative approach, incorporating historical analysis and in-depth interviews with key PKS figures. Historical documents produced by the party and interviews with four significant party members, including regional cadres and central figures, provide primary data for the study. This method allows a comprehensive understanding of the ideological progress and strategic decisions of the party within its institutional transformation. The findings reveal that the transformation of PKS from informal politics to a political party underscores its initial moderation process while maintaining Islamic conservative principles. This dynamic interplay between ideology and pragmatic political consideration manifests in its adoptive and open approach to the inclusion of non-Muslims within the party. The results emphasize the importance of contextual political structures and the role of party elites in shaping the ideological and pragmatic adaptations of Islamist parties in response to evolving sociopolitical landscapes. The study contributes to the broader understanding of Islamist moderation and the evolution of political Islam in contemporary Indonesia, offering insights into the strategic decisions and ideological shifts within PKS that enable it to operate effectively within a plural democratic framework.