The attasian legacy in Indonesia : from intellectual network to Islamic activism

Abstract

This study examines the intellectual and ideological influence of Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas (1931-2026) in Indonesia, arguing that his ideas have shaped both intellectual networks and socio-political activism. While scholarship often emphasizes Middle Eastern and Western influences on Indonesian Islamic thought, this study highlights the underexamined intellectual connection between Malaysia and Indonesia. It contends that the Attasian network in Indonesia has appropriated al-Attas’ concepts, particularly the Islamization of Knowledge and De-Westernization, transforming them from philosophical frameworks into instruments of political activism. The network has emerged as a significant force within conservative and traditionalist Islamic circles, challenging liberal and progressive currents in academia and public discourse. Simultaneously, it provides ideological legitimacy for conservative and populist movements seeking to Islamize public life and reinforce religious authority. This is evident in pivotal moments such as the 2005 MUI fatwa against deviant sects, the persecution of Shia groups in Yogyakarta in 2013, the Aksi Bela Islam rally in 2016, and opposition to the Law on the Elimination of Sexual Violence (RUU-PKS) in 2022. By intertwining intellectual discourse with activism, the Attasian network has not only shaped contemporary Islamic thought in Indonesia but also influenced the broader socio-political landscape.