TSAQAFAH : Jurnal Peradaban Islam
Vol. 21 No. 1 (2025): Tsaqafah Jurnal Peradaban Islam

Aid or Influence?US Foreign Assistance to Indonesia in Islamic Point of View

Syafrina Machfud (Universitas Airlangga, PQJM+GMH, Mulyorejo, Surabaya, East Java 60115)
Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi (Universitas Darussalam Gontor, Jl. Raya Siman No.Km. 5, Dusun I, Demangan, Kec. Siman, Kabupaten Ponorogo, Jawa Timur 63471)
Khoirul Umam (Universitas Darussalam Gontor, Jl. Raya Siman No.Km. 5, Dusun I, Demangan, Kec. Siman, Kabupaten Ponorogo, Jawa Timur 63471)
Imron Mawardi (Universitas Airlangga, PQJM+GMH, Mulyorejo, Surabaya, East Java 60115)



Article Info

Publish Date
11 May 2025

Abstract

Drawing on critiques from Islamic Political Economy (IPE) and Islamic International Relations (IIR), this study analyses the political, economic, and geopolitical implications of United States foreign aid to Indonesia through the lens of the Islamic worldview. Using a philosophical approach, the research interprets the spiritual and ethical dimensions of the Islamic worldview through foundational sources such as the Qur’an, Hadith, and classical Islamic scholarship. The findings reveal that US foreign aid has minimal impact on economic growth. Instead, it predominantly promotes Western-style liberalization, democratization, secularism, and strategic geopolitical objectives, particularly as a counterbalance to China’s influence. This study highlights the misalignment between secular aid strategies and Islamic principles, advocating for policies grounded in the Islamic worldview. By integrating faith-based principles into the analysis of political economy and international relations, the research offers a comprehensive framework for understanding how Islamic ethics can shape governance, international relations, and economic behaviour. As a library-based exploratory study, the findings emphasize the need for further empirical validation through qualitative and quantitative methodologies. This research provides valuable insights into aligning Islamic ethical frameworks with contemporary political and economic practices.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

tsq

Publisher

Subject

Description

Tsaqafah is a journal published by the University of Darussalam Gontor with its aims related to Islamic Civilization. What we refer to as Islamic Civilization, in accordance with the terminology elucidated in Islam as Religion and Civilization by Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi, consists of two substantial ...