Terrorism, Wahhabism and Islam (East)-West Dialogues: A Reflection from Indonesia

This article explains that the religion ideology has potential power to ignite fanaticism and radicalization that unquestionably can erupt violence and destruction. The emergence of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), Jamaah Islamiyah, Majelis Mujahiddin Indonesia, for instance, is a reflection of the rise of religionized politics and radicalization of Islamists. And in this context, religion (Islam) in this position will have two functions; building better integrity among its followers while creating conflict and violation. The tragedy of Bali bombs, Australian Embassy bomb in Jakarta, suicide bomb in Solo and other brutal acts done by anarchists like those from Jamaah Islamiyah, ISIS, and even Islamic Defender Front (FPI) – where they use violence and destructive acts to close down businesses that they think is not in accordance of sharia like bar and café since they sell alcoholic beverages – are examples where fundamentalists have shown intolerant exclusiveness and belligerent sense of supremacy in facing minority communities.