Gayatri Suroyo and Tabita Diela
[Jakarta 28th Reuters]-Indonesian Ally Untoun recalls that he was a Muslim who only wore jeans, turned hair, and drunk frequently when he was a video jockey on a music show. But when I heard a sermon on the Internet that advocated a conservative interpretation of Islam, Untun's religious fever ignited.
In Indonesia, the most populous country with the majority of Muslims, Islamic conservatism has emerged and is undergoing profound economic changes.
Untung then joined other celebrities and changed to run an entertainment business in accordance with Sharia (Islamic law) such as Islamic festivals.
The number of “reborn” Muslims like him is on the rise, not only transforming society, but also having a significant economic impact, from housing for Muslims to the promotion of Islamic finance. .
Untun, who had a beard and turned into a calm hairstyle, explained about his celebrity companions, "We have become a kind of Allah recommender."
Untun and his friends are aiming to push the Islamic economy into the mainstream, with a total of over 20 million Instagram and Twitter followers, taking part in the “Hijura” movement.
Hijura means migration in Arabic. It is the era of the Islamic calendar, because the prophet Muhammad escaped from persecution and traveled from Mecca to Medina.
Indonesia's Islamic population of 215 million is traditionally modest, and mysticism and indigenous customs are often incorporated into the faith.
But now the number of “conservatives” is on the rise, and according to Eddie Setiadi, secretary general of the non-profit organization Sharia Economy Society, companies will adopt brand strategies and marketing that bring Islam to the fore. Became.
Restaurants are competing for halal certification to show that they are in compliance with Islamic regulations, and some hospitals are equipped with halal-certified medicines and shampoos that are suitable for people with headscarves covering their hair. I came. Sharp <6753.T> sells refrigerators with halal certification.
<Peace of mind>
According to Setiadi, many “reborn” Muslims are young, have a permanent job, and have no more effort to enjoy the Islamic lifestyle.
“They do n’t care about spending. They just want peace of mind.”
The Muslim conservatives were largely repressed under the 32-year administration by former President Suharto. However, since Suharto's retirement in 1998, his power has grown. However, Indonesia remains officially a secular nation.
President Joko, a moderate Islamist, elected conservative Maalfu Amin as the vice-president candidate in the presidential election this April. The aim is to expand the Muslim vote.
The priest, Amin, the head of the Islamic organization, has so far promoted the development of Islamic financial legislation and mandatory halal certification. According to analysts, the Vice President is likely to take further steps to boost the Islamic economy.
According to Thomson Reuters reports, Indonesian people spent more than $ 219 billion in halal-certified food, tourism, fashion and cosmetics in 2017, up from $ 193 billion in 2014.
The assets of Islamic financial institutions have reached 486.900 billion rupiah by June this year, increasing by more than 300% over the past nine years. However, it is less than 6% of all bank assets of $ 580 billion.
Indonesia's Bank of Indonesia Deputy Governor Dodi Budi Walyo pointed out to Reuters that demand for halal-certified food, modest clothing, and travel in accordance with Islamic law has been particularly rapid. The central bank and the government said they are trying to figure out the share of the Shariah economy in GDP.
<House for Muslims>
In the housing industry, the development of residential areas for Muslims is progressing, such as by setting a mosque at the center. The mosque may host events such as archery and equestrianism, which are preferred in Islam.
At a halal-related exhibition held last month in Jakarta, a Korean cosmetic brand appealed for a foundation and face wash for Muslims.
According to the data consultancy company Media Kernels Indonesia, words such as “Hijura” and “Halal” have been displayed more than 5,000 times on social media in the past 30 days, and these words have been used frequently in product marketing. I can see that.
(Gayatri Suroyo reporter Tabita Diela reporter)
