Islam and the Making of the Nation: Kartosuwiryo and Political Islam in Twentieth-Century Indonesia

In this insightful exploration, Chiara Formichi delves into the intersection of religion and nationalism in Indonesia during the 20th century, focusing on the influential figure of Kartosuwiryo. Through detailed analysis, she challenges prevailing narratives that have marginalized the religious motivations behind the Darul Islam movement. The book intricately weaves historical context with political dynamics, shedding light on how Islamic ideology played a crucial role in shaping national identity and governance.

Formichi's work not only reexamines the complexities of Indonesian political Islam but also invites readers to reconsider the broader implications of faith in nation-building. By engaging critically with primary sources and historical records, she reveals the multifaceted nature of Islam’s impact in a time of social upheaval, offering a fresh perspective on the entanglement of religion and politics in Indonesia's past and present.