Islam Nusantara and NU
In discussions about Islam Nusantara, it’s important to note that Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has been a leading force in promoting this concept. However, some mistakenly believe that Islam Nusantara is exclusive to NU. In reality, IsNus (Islam Nusantara) is not merely Is-NU (Islam NU). Just as with the case of as-Jawa (Javanese-centric Islam), Islam NU is part of the larger diversity of Islam Nusantara, but it is not the only expression. Other groups also have their own interpretations of how Islam is practiced within the Nusantara context.
Interestingly, even Wahhabism could, in theory, adopt a Nusantara character—Wahhabism that is peaceful, respectful, and non-provocative. Some figures within Wahdah Islamiyah, for example, have adapted to local customs by wearing batik and teaching from Syafi’i texts, despite not officially following a particular madhhab and often opposing traditional Nusantara Islamic practices.
NU understands this reality. During its 2015 congress in Jombang, the theme was “Affirming Islam Nusantara for Indonesian and Global Civilization,” highlighting that Islam Nusantara is for the benefit of all humanity, not just an identity for NU alone. It is a term that encapsulates the distinctive and diverse ways Islam is practiced by Muslim communities in the Nusantara.
Embracing Diversity
In the midst of Islam Nusantara’s diversity, the attitude of claiming to be the “most authentic” expression of Islam can become problematic. Such a stance, whether held by a community or an organization, risks falling into a truth claim mentality, where one’s own way of practicing Islam is seen as the most legitimate, while others are deemed incorrect. This can lead not to the celebration of local wisdom but rather to judgment of those who are different.
Awareness of this diversity is crucial. We must recognize that Islam Nusantara is indeed varied. As Charles J. Adams notes in “Islamic Religious Tradition,” “Islam cannot be one thing but rather is many things.” The reality is that the ways Muslims practice Islam are highly diverse.