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Shifting from Religious Populism to Authoritarian Populism: Two Decades of Identity Politics Dynamics in Indonesia

Author

Listed:
  • Arina Rohmatul Hidayah

    (Faculty of Communication Sciences, Padjadjaran University, Bandung 45363, Indonesia)

  • Atwar Bajari

    (Faculty of Communication Sciences, Padjadjaran University, Bandung 45363, Indonesia)

  • Dadang Rahmat Hidayat

    (Faculty of Communication Sciences, Padjadjaran University, Bandung 45363, Indonesia)

  • Eni Maryani

    (Faculty of Communication Sciences, Padjadjaran University, Bandung 45363, Indonesia)

Abstract

This article aims to answer the question of whether identity-based movements are free from tendencies in political economy. By analyzing the actions and orientations of the militant Islamic group from the New Order to the Reform era, we show that social movements based on cultural identities are far from representing the demands of groups of recognition. Rather, these movements are leveraged as political tools for the executive group in determining dominant issues among the public to increase voter preferences and bring economic benefits to militant Islamic groups. This is insisted upon through a shift in political trends from religious populism to authoritarian populism. We argue that a possible solution could be prioritizing democratic values that lead to performance and integrity, not sectoral interests that can create fragmentation in society.

Suggested Citation

  • Arina Rohmatul Hidayah & Atwar Bajari & Dadang Rahmat Hidayat & Eni Maryani, 2025. "Shifting from Religious Populism to Authoritarian Populism: Two Decades of Identity Politics Dynamics in Indonesia," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-24, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:1:p:45-:d:1567596
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ronald U. Mendoza & Edsel L. Beja & Victor S. Venida & David B. Yap, 2016. "Political dynasties and poverty: measurement and evidence of linkages in the Philippines," Oxford Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(2), pages 189-201, April.
    2. Punsara Amarasinghe, 2021. "The Depiction of ‘Orthodoxy’ in Post-Soviet Space: How Vladimir Putin Uses the Church in His Anti-Western Campaign," Jadavpur Journal of International Relations, , vol. 25(2), pages 235-252, December.
    3. Malin, Stephanie A. & Mayer, Adam & Crooks, James L. & McKenzie, Lisa & Peel, Jennifer L. & Adgate, John L., 2019. "Putting on partisan glasses: Political identity, quality of life, and oil and gas production in Colorado," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 129(C), pages 738-748.
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