Masjumi: Definition and Meaning 🌟
Masjumi, also known as Majlis Sjuro Muslimin Indonesia (Consultative Council of Indonesian Muslims), was one of Indonesia’s pivotal political parties during its formative years of parliamentary democracy in the 1950s. Founded in 1945 shortly after Indonesia’s independence, Masjumi played a critical role in the nation’s political landscape.
Comprehensive Definition
Masjumi (Majlis Sjuro Muslimin Indonesia): Masjumi was a major political party in Indonesia advocating for Islamic values and the establishment of an Islamic state. It played an influential part during Indonesia’s early post-independence years and aimed to ensure the observance of Islamic law among Muslims.
Etymology and Origins 📜
The term ‘Masjumi’ stands for “Majlis Sjuro Muslimin Indonesia,” where:
- Majlis means “Council” in Arabic.
- Sjuro (Shura in standard Arabic) denotes “Consultative.”
- Muslimin refers to “Muslims.”
- Indonesia signifies the country.
Background and Historical Facts 🏛️
- Founding: Masjumi was established in 1945, shortly after Indonesia gained independence from Dutch rule.
- Membership: It included all major Muslim organizations in Indonesia, becoming a major Islamic political force.
- Political Participation: The party actively participated in most governments from 1950 to 1957.
- Internal Rivals: Despite its influence, Masjumi contended with internal rivalries that affected its unity.
- Regional Revolt: In the mid-1950s, Masjumi’s involvement in a regional revolt strained its relationship with the military.
- Opposition: The party opposed President Sukarno’s “guided democracy,” advocating for parliamentary democracy.
- Ban and Reformation: In 1960, Masjumi was banned, and its leaders were detained. Later, it was reformed as Partai Muslimin Indonesia, but without its original leadership.
Cultural Differences and Similarities 🌏
Compared to other political movements in the Muslim world:
- Similarity: Like other Islamic political movements, Masjumi aimed to align national governance with Islamic principles.
- Difference: Masjumi faced a unique political and cultural context in Indonesia, where it had to navigate the complexities of a newly independent state with diverse religious and ethnic communities.
Synonyms and Antonyms 🔄
Synonyms:
- Partai Muslimin Indonesia (Post-ban reformation name)
- Islamic Political Movement
- Independence-era Muslim Organization
Antonyms:
- Secular Political Parties
- Non-Islamic Political Entities
Related Terms with Definitions 📚
- Sukarno’s Guided Democracy: A political system implemented by President Sukarno favoring concentrated presidential power and reduced influence of parliament and political parties.
- Partai Muslimin Indonesia: The reformed version of Masjumi after its ban in 1960.
Exciting Facts 🎢
- Integration of Major Organizations: Before its ban, Masjumi incorporated several influential Muslim organizations, highly unifying the Muslim population in political movements.
- Influence on Future Politics: Elements of Masjumi’s principles and networks persisted, influencing later Islamic political movements in Indonesia.
Quotations from Notable Writers 🖋️
“Masjumi’s quest for an Islamic rule intertwined with Indonesia’s struggle for democracy, representing a significant chapter in Southeast Asian political history.” — Dr. Raden Muhammad Yusuf
References & Suggested Literature 📚
- Ricklefs, M.C. “A History of Modern Indonesia Since c.1200”.
- Boland, B.J. “The Struggle of Islam in Modern Indonesia”.
- Fealy, Greg. “Islam and Rebellion in Southeast Asia”.
- Barton, Greg. “1930-1971: Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals”.
Translations 🌐
- Arabic: مَجْلِس شورَى المسلمين الإندونيسيين
- Urdu: مجلس شورائ مسلمانان انڈونیشیا
- Indonesian: Majlis Syuro Muslimin Indonesia
- Bengali: ইন্দোনেশিয়ার মজলিশ শুরা মুসলিমন
- Persian: مجلس مشورتی مسلمانان اندونزیس
### When was Masjumi established?
- [x] 1945
- [ ] 1950
- [ ] 1960
- [ ] 1930
> **Explanation:** Masjumi was established in 1945, shortly after Indonesia declared its independence.
### What does "Sjuro" denote in Masjumi's name?
- [x] Consultative
- [ ] Legislative
- [ ] Executive
- [ ] Judicial
> **Explanation:** "Sjuro" (or Shura in standard Arabic) refers to consultation, highlighting the consultative aspects of Islamic governance.
### Which president's political system did Masjumi oppose?
- [x] Sukarno
- [ ] Suharto
- [ ] Megawati Sukarnoputri
- [ ] Joko Widodo
> **Explanation:** Masjumi opposed Sukarno's "guided democracy," advocating instead for parliamentary democracy.
### Why was Masjumi banned in 1960?
- [x] Participation in a regional revolt and distrust from the military.
- [ ] Financial corruption.
- [ ] Lack of public support.
- [ ] Blasphemy against the state religion.
> **Explanation:** Masjumi was banned due to its participation in a regional revolt and subsequent distrust from the military leadership.
### After being banned, under which name Masjumi was reformed?
- [x] Partai Muslimin Indonesia
- [ ] Partai Islam Sejahtera
- [ ] Hizb ut-Tahrir Indonesia
- [ ] Nahdlatul Ulama
> **Explanation:** After its ban, Masjumi was reformed as Partai Muslimin Indonesia, though it lacked its former leaders.
### What was one of Masjumi's primary objectives?
- [x] Establishment of an Islamic state
- [ ] Promotion of secular governance
- [ ] Financial regulation
- [ ] Technological advancement
> **Explanation:** One of Masjumi's primary goals was to establish an Islamic state and ensure the observance of Islamic law among Muslims.
### How did Masjumi influence future political movements in Indonesia?
- [x] Its principles and networks persisted, affecting later Islamic political movements.
- [ ] It entirely disappeared without a trace.
- [ ] It shifted towards a secular ideology.
- [ ] It disbanded but had no lasting impact.
> **Explanation:** Despite being banned, many elements of Masjumi's principles and networks persisted, influencing later Islamic political movements.
### Which major political entity did Masjumi crucially oppose during Indonesia's early post-independence era?
- [x] Sukarno's guided democracy
- [ ] British colonial rule
- [ ] Communist factions
- [ ] Dutch governance
> **Explanation:** Masjumi was a strong advocate for parliamentary democracy and opposed President Sukarno's “guided democracy” system.
Thank you for exploring the inspiring history of Masjumi and its influential role in Indonesia’s political evolution. Understanding these moments helps illuminate the path of Islamic political struggles worldwide.
Sincerely,
Hassan Rahman
October 2, 2023
Wandering through history enlightens our present. 🌟
