Islamic Religious Education and Political Socialization in Indonesia: Navigating Democratic Values in a Plural Society

Muhamad Mulki Assiddiqi; Abdurrahman Wisnu Nugraha

Authors

Muhamad Mulki Assiddiqi Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati, Indonesia
Abdurrahman Wisnu Nugraha Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Keywords:

Advocacy, Democratic Values, Identity Politics, Islamic Religious Education, Political Discourse

Abstract

This study explores the strategic role of Indonesia’s Islamic Religious Education (IRE) teacher association in shaping political discourse on IRE within a plural and democratic society. It examines the association’s influence on policy debates promoting democratic values and pluralism, as well as its advocacy in addressing intolerance, identity politics, and national curriculum reform. Employing a qualitative case study with critical discourse analysis, data were collected through in-depth interviews with national and regional leaders and member teachers, participatory observation in public and internal events, and analysis of organizational statutes, policy recommendations, and official publications. Thematic analysis identified recurring narratives on democracy and pluralism, while discourse analysis examined the construction of meaning in official statements and training materials. Findings indicate that the association acts as a hybrid entity—both a professional body and an advocacy actor—capable of directing policy towards an inclusive civic Islam compatible with democratic norms. Nonetheless, it faces internal tensions from members’ diverse backgrounds and external pressures from political, regulatory, and socio-religious dynamics. The study’s novelty lies in shifting attention from students and curricula to the political agency of teacher organizations, offering fresh insights into their mediating role between religious values and democratic principles in education policy.

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