Indonesia at 80: Islamic Roots of Pluralism and the Middle Path

Eighty years after proclaiming independence in 1945, Indonesia continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of pluralism. A recent essay by journalist and author Sameer Arshad Khatlani highlights how the nation’s resilience is grounded in Pancasila—its national ideology—and the Islamic concept of the ummah wasat, or middle path.

Foundations of Pluralism

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago and home to more Muslims than the Middle East and North Africa combined, reflects extraordinary diversity. Its population of 270 million includes Muslims, Protestants, Catholics, Hindus, and others, speaking over 525 languages and dialects. Despite periods of tension, Indonesia has largely sustained peaceful coexistence, which many scholars attribute to the adoption of Pancasila in 1945.

Proposed by the country’s first president, Sukarno, Pancasila enshrines principles such as democracy, social justice, and humanism, and was accepted as compatible with Islamic teachings. Scholars including Azyumardi Azra have described this compromise as a defining example of the Islamic roots of pluralism in modern Indonesia.

Quranic Emphasis on Diversity

Azra and others have argued that the Qur’an’s teachings on diversity and mutual recognition underpin Indonesia’s pluralism. Verses describing the variety of nations, languages, and communities affirm pluralism as a divine principle rather than a threat to religious identity. This perspective links the Indonesian experience to broader traditions of tolerance in Islamic history, including the seventh-century Medina Charter, which recognized Jews and Muslims as part of one political community.

Civil Society and Global Dialogue

Indonesia’s pluralism has also been shaped by influential organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, which collectively represent large segments of the population. These groups have promoted democratic values, human rights, and interfaith cooperation, engaging with local and international partners in the aftermath of global conflicts.

Scholars such as Robert W. Hefner and Aziz Sachedina note that Indonesia offers a model of how religious pluralism can foster active engagement and inclusiveness in multiethnic societies. In this context, the ummah wasat continues to guide Indonesians toward moderation, coexistence, and civic harmony.

Looking Ahead

Indonesia’s story, from independence through decades of change, demonstrates how a Muslim-majority nation has balanced religious heritage with democratic governance. As it marks 80 years of independence, the country’s integration of Islamic principles with pluralism remains a significant case study in how diverse societies can thrive.

Read the full essay here: Indonesian Pluralism: How Islamic Middle Path Ummah Wasat Fosters It.