URBAN CHINESE MUSLIMS AND STATE POLITICS: A Historical Analysis of Chinese Muslim Citizenship in the New Order Era

Tabroni, Roni (Research Center for Treasures of Religion and Civilization, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN))
Mujizatullah, Mujizatullah (National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN))
Reslawati, Reslawati (National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN))
Hamid, Wardiah (National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN))

JOURNAL OF INDONESIAN ISLAM
Vol 19, No 1 (2025)

This study departs from two questions: 1) how did state-controlled politics in Indonesia's New Order era influence the negotiation of religious identities among urban Chinese Muslims, and 2) how was the concept of citizenship defined and redefined within this religious and political context? From those questions, this study delves into the interplay between urban Chinese Muslims, state politics, and the concept of citizenship in Indonesia. Using a historical method and sampling of Chinese Muslims in Jakarta this article highlights the experiences of urban Chinese Muslims that are affected by restrictions on their rights as citizens, including political aspirations, and reveals the dynamics shaping the relationship between Islam and state politics in urban areas. The response of Chinese Muslims in Jakarta during the New Order period can be an important contribution to the national narrative and the enduring legacy of the country's politics on religious identity and citizenship in contemporary Indonesia.