Transformation of Identity Politics in Democratic Practices in Indonesia

Muh. Rakasiwi A. Gazali (Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar)
Kurniati K (Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar)
Musyfikah Ilyas (Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar)

Madani: Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal
Vol 4, No 5 (2026): June 2026

The escalation of identity politics in electoral contests in Indonesia has created deep polarization that threatens social cohesion and the integrity of constitutional democracy. This study aims to analyze the urgency of Islamic law as a substantive ethical instrument in mitigating distortions of identity politics, which are often manipulated for electoral interests. The main issue examined is how the repositioning of Islamic law within national legal politics can maintain democratic stability from the threat of autocratic legalism. The methodology used is socio-legal research with a narrative qualitative approach. The analysis is conducted by examining the interaction between legal norms in texts and socio-political realities in order to critically assess the limitations of formal legalism. The findings show that the concept of Islamic Constitutionalism as a social movement and Sharia Constitutionalism as a space for interest negotiation provides an ethical framework for political actors to prioritize public welfare (maslahah). In conclusion, the integration of substantive Islamic values into national legal policy is urgently needed to prevent the instrumentalization of religious identity that undermines principles of justice. Therefore, the role of institutions such as the Constitutional Court becomes crucial in curbing practices of autocratic legalism.