The Islamist Mobilization in 2019 Indonesian Presidential Election

Abstract

The 2019`s presidential election has become very tense as religious groups, figures and narratives played an important role in this political contest. Both of the candidates, Jokowi and Prabowo, were supported by Islamic groups that compete with each other to gain supporters from Muslims. The role of Islam in Indonesian politics is not new but has existed even longer than Indonesian independence. As a religion, Islam is believed to not separate religious and political life though there are disputes on the degree of integration between the two terms. This article aims to analyze the role of Islamists in the presidential election in 2019 to delegitimize the incumbent candidate, Jokowi – Ma`ruf Amin, and to win Prabowo – Sandi. This article used a qualitative method to explore the strategy of Islamist mobilization in the 2019`s election. In comparison, the data is collected through documents and online sources. This article found that Islamist groups and figures used many strategies to support Prabowo in defeating Jokowi by using campaigns, religious speeches, and statements, and publishing a song as critics of Joko Widodo`s presidential administration.