Buletin Al-Turas
Vol. 32 No. 1 (2026): Buletin Al-Turas

Aristocratic Agency and Religious Transformation: The Role of Pajajaran Elites in the Islamization of Banten

didin, saepudin (Unknown)
Zubair, Zubair (Unknown)
Irfani, Fahmi (Unknown)
Alfida, Alfida (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Apr 2026

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to explain the role of the Pajajaran Kingdom's nobility in the Islamization process of Banten. It focuses on tracing how local elites contributed to the region’s emerging Islamic identity and participated in the socio-religious transformation that accompanied the early spread of Islam.  Method The research employed a qualitative, descriptive-historical approach. Primary sources — including manuscripts, chronicles, archival materials, and historical documents—were analyzed through textual examination and historical reconstruction to uncover the political, cultural, and religious dynamics linking Pajajaran nobles with key actors in Banten’s Islamization.  Results/findings The study finds that Pajajaran nobles played an active role in Islamization, not as marginal figures but as agents of transformation. Figures such as Syarif Hidayatullah, Maulana Hasanuddin, Ki Agus Jo, and Mas Jong used persuasive strategies grounded in Sufi values, facilitating broad acceptance of Islam. Their efforts consolidated Banten’s position as a prominent Islamic sultanate in the Nusantara between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries.  Conclusion The findings reaffirmed that Islamization in Indonesia unfolded through peaceful and cultural means rather than religious hegemony. Future research is encouraged to investigate the contributions of other local actors within the wider Islamization networks of the archipelago.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

al-turats

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

JOURNAL BULETIN ALTURAS (ISSN 0853-1692; E-ISSN: 2579-5848) is open access journal that is published by Faculty of Adab and Humanities, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. It serves to disseminate research and practical articles that relating to the current issues on the study of history, literature, ...