Most of my chapters in this book have filled out a picture of the wide-ranging nature of public Islam and its solid foundation in democracy, human rights and the market. I have tried to show what the proliferation of Islamic symbols which greet you in Indonesia signify; because at first sight they might appear as the victory for Islamism. The consolidation of democracy in Indonesia is strong and ongoing. It is true that radical Islamists have been largely responsible for the Islamization that has swept Indonesia―they began the project that led to the growth of public Islam. The paradox is that this strong public Islam will ensure that any attempt by them to control and overthrow the democratic public sphere will almost certainly end in failure. The ongoing consolidation of democracy is contributing to their weakening influence. It is my opinion that the democratic forces will not be sidelined and that Indonesia will strengthen as a democracy. But, ultimately, certainty is not possible; I leave the reader with the evidence.
The most charismatic 'ulama' in Martapura, Zaini Abdul Ghani, better known as
Guru Zaini, did not initially support Ariffin and his running partner Mawardi Abbas.
Guru Zaini's support was enormously important. As the murshid (Sufi adept) of
the Sammaniyah Sufi Order, he had wide influence among Muslims throughout
Kalimantan. Ariffin made all-out efforts to persuade Guru Zaini. He utilized every
possible political channel, including the network of jewelry traders led by
Abdullah ...
