Islamophobia and Communism: Perpetual Prejudice in Contemporary Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to explain the relationship between Islamophobia and the issue of Communism in Indonesia today.   Methods: This research is a type of Data collecting was carried out on the mass media and social media and a literature review to discover this; then, the analysis was carried out using a philosophical approach.   Results and Conclusion: This study found that the government policies that were seen opposing Islamism aspirations were considered a form of Islamophobia. The tendency of Islamophobia is resulted from the government and the winning party's closeness to China, especially the Chinese Communist Party, which results in the chaos of the law and efforts to reduce the ideology of the Pancasila (Five Principles). This condition presents a classic contestation between Islamism and Communism in the socio-political realm of contemporary Indonesia. In the contestation, Islamophobia continued in the form of negative imagery of Islam, Arabic, and Islamic politics. The response of Islamic groups to this condition is the strengthening of Islamism under the pretext of defending the state ideology.   Research implications: The Development of Islamophobia: This research can provide insight into how Islamophobia develops and is maintained in the Indonesian context, which can provide a better understanding of its root causes and potential consequences in society.   Impact on Interreligious and Interthought Relations: The implications of this research may go beyond political issues and touch aspects of interreligious and interthought relations in Indonesia. This can strengthen or weaken social relations between different groups.   Public Policy: This study can provide a basis for the development of better public policy in addressing issues related to Islamophobia and society's understanding of communism. Policies created based on this research can be aimed at promoting tolerance and social justice.   Further Research: This research may spark interest in further research on the same or related topics. Follow-up studies could dig deeper into the specific aspects revealed in this research or broaden the scope to understand a broader phenomenon.   Global Influence: The implications of this research are not only limited to Indonesia, but can also provide valuable insight into how the phenomenon of Islamophobia and the stigma against communism is developing at the global level. This can help in understanding the impact of globalization and interconnectivity in spreading ideologies and perceptions.   Originality/value: Insights into Political Dynamics: Through its examination of the perpetuation of prejudice, the research offers valuable insights into the political dynamics of contemporary Indonesia. By uncovering how certain narratives and ideologies are utilized and perpetuated for political purposes, the study provides a critical perspective on power dynamics and manipulation within the Indonesian contex