Emergence of Islamic Fundamentalism in South East Asia

22 Jul, 2000    ·   390

Dr Subhash Kapila discusses the implications of the emergence of Islamic fundamentalism in the South East Asian region
Dr. Subhash Kapila
South East Asia is a region of great strategic importance. The region is critical as it houses the Straits of Malacca, Lombok and Sunda through which navies of the major nations transit between the Indian and Pacific Oceans , besides commercial maritime traffic. The lifeline of East Asia passes through this region, which bridges Asia and Australia . Besides, China considers the region as its backyard, with large overseas Chinese presence in these countries.

 

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South East Asia , despite its multi-racial and multi - religious character was, till lately, a peaceful region. Religious harmony and tolerance prevailed, and the region made miraculous economic progress in the 1980s and 1990s, barring the setback two years back. However, imperceptibly at first, and more pronounced last year, it has witnessed the strong emergence of Islamic fundamentalism.

 

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The two major Muslim countries in the region are Malaysia and Indonesia . Brunei is a small oil rich Muslim monarchy. Sizeable Muslim populations live in Southern Thailand and Southern Philippines . The most striking characteristic of Islam in South East Asia were its liberalism, tolerance and peaceful co-existence with other religious communities. It was devoid of the more fanatically oriented manifestations of West Asian Islam - skull caps, turbans, beards or veils and scarves for women. The reason was that Islam in South East Asia existed on the fringes, and conversions to Islam occurred not more than three or four hundred year ago.

 

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Islamic fundamentalism first appeared in Kelantan, North Malaysia , and Southern Thailand . Today, the entire Northern States are under the political control of Islamic fundamentalist parties. Its appearance in Indonesia , has been recent and more pronounced after President Suharto’s fall. It emerged as a political factor in Malaysia and Indonesia - large countries with multi-racial populations. Recent images on TV showing hordes of Islamic activists running amok in Jakarta, looting and destroying bars, restaurants and minority businesses was frightening. So is Islamic fundamentalist terrorism in the predominantly Christian state of Philippines , where Western tourists are being held hostage. Clashes with Govt. forces are reported from Southern Thailand .

 

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The moot question is why Islamic communities in South East Asia, long known for tolerance and liberalism, fell prey to the West Asian brand of Islamic fundamentalism. No doubt, Saudi and Gulf States money generated it. Regional economic disparities within the States could be a reason. It is from these economically backward regions that there has been a large outflow of young people to theological seminaries in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the last 10-15 years. It also flourished because it became a tool in electoral politics.

 

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What are its regional implications? An Islamic fundamentalist upsurge in multiracial societies like Malaysia and Indonesia could tear apart their social fabric and generate political instabilities. This could end their dreams of being economic ‘Asian Tiger’s. In fact ASEAN, as a political and economic force, could disintegrate, with Buddhist and Christian countries pulling out. Democracy would be the biggest casualty in the region.

 

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Globally, the emergence of Islamic fundamentalist regimes in the region would lead to their control of “strategic choke-points” complicating things for USA , Japan , Australia , South Korea and even China . The Chinese overseas communities, who virtually control their economies have been the first targets of attack in Indonesia . China could be forced into reactive actions. If it does not, its big power image will suffer. The United States and the European Union are sensitive to “strategic choke points” falling under the control of radical regimes. This too could invite multi-lateral reaction.

 

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Islamic fundamentalism, emerging as a political factor in South East Asia , is a source of concern and could invite external intervention. Leaders in Malaysia and Indonesia must seriously ponder over the potential for political instability and disintegration. It would be wise for them to rein in these disruptive forces by restoring liberalism and tolerance, which were the hallmark of their societies.

 

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