“True Islam”, Apostate Leader and Islamic Radicalism: The Emergence of Laskar Jihad in Indonesia (original) (raw)

The paper examines the emergence of Islamic radicalism in Indonesia, particularly focusing on the Laskar Jihad group, in the context of the political instability following the reformasi movement of 1998. It delves into the interplay between religious justifications and political ambitions that led to the rise of radical factions, highlighting the socio-political landscape that allowed for the proliferation of groups advocating for a puritanical interpretation of Islam. The study discusses the implications of such radicalism on Indonesian society, particularly in terms of inter-religious tensions and the involvement of mainstream political figures in supporting radical agendas.