New Books Network Hans A. Harmakaputra, "Christian-Muslim Relations in Post-Reformation Indonesia: Resistance, Identity and Belonging" (Edinburgh UP, 2026)
Mar 31, 2026
Hans A. Harmakaputra, Indonesian-born scholar of Christian-Muslim relations and comparative theology, discusses Christian strategies of resistance, identity formation, and belonging in post-Reformation Indonesia. He traces conservative Islam's rise, legal and social flashpoints like the Ahok and Yasmin cases, and grassroots reconciliation and creative church responses. The conversation highlights methods and case studies from his 2026 book.
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Distinctive Meaning Of Indonesian Islam
- Indonesian Islam denotes a distinctive, moderate form of Islam that accommodates local cultures and pluralism.
- Hans A. Harmakaputra cites Asymardi Azra and Najib Burhani to show its traits include tolerance, traditionalism, and resistance to political Islam.
Post-Islamism Blends Islam And Democracy
- Post-Reformation Indonesia produced post-Islamism, a trend combining Islamic values with democratic methods rather than creating an Islamic state.
- Harmakaputra links post-Islamism to regional Sharia regulations and party transformations like Partai Keadilan Sejahtera.
Ahok Case Exposed Islamic Populism
- The Ahok blasphemy case revealed Islamic populism's political power and altered Christian perceptions of vulnerability.
- Harmakaputra notes Ahok's identity as a Christian Chinese politician sparked the largest mass demonstrations and national debates about religion and politics.
