Modest Modernities: Muslim Identity, Globalisation, and Urban Transformation in Indonesia
https://doi.org/10.14421/tkcp7204
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Abstract
Global neoliberalism and rapid urbanization have transformed cities worldwide, redefining social life and religious identities. In Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, these forces have intensified through economic growth, migration, and global connectivity, challenging the Muslim majority to sustain their faith within a consumerist and market-driven urban order. This study aims to analyze how neoliberal policies and globalization shape the social and cultural dynamics of Muslims in Jakarta and how they negotiate and adapt their identities amid modern urban transformation. Employing a qualitative descriptive design, this research relies on literature review and document analysis of official statistical reports and scholarly works on Jakarta’s socio-economic context. Data were analyzed thematically following Mezmir’s framework, involving coding, theme clustering, and narrative construction to interpret the relationship between urban transformation, neoliberalism, and Muslim identity. The findings reveal that Muslim identity in Jakarta is not eroded but hybridized—integrating Islamic ethics with modern practices such as digital zakat, halal lifestyle consumption, and mosque-based social welfare systems. These adaptations show resilience, creativity, and negotiation between religious tradition and global modernity. The implication of this study is the need for inclusive urban policies that protect religious practices, promote social equity, and strengthen community solidarity amid neoliberal pressures.
Neoliberalisme global dan urbanisasi yang cepat telah mengubah wajah kota-kota di seluruh dunia, sekaligus memengaruhi kehidupan sosial dan identitas keagamaan masyarakat. Di Jakarta, sebagai ibu kota Indonesia, kekuatan tersebut semakin terasa melalui pertumbuhan ekonomi, arus migrasi, dan keterhubungan global yang tinggi. Kondisi ini menantang masyarakat Muslim untuk tetap mempertahankan nilai-nilai keagamaannya di tengah budaya kota yang kompetitif dan konsumtif. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis bagaimana kebijakan neoliberal dan globalisasi membentuk dinamika sosial dan budaya umat Muslim di Jakarta serta bagaimana mereka menegosiasikan dan menyesuaikan identitasnya di tengah transformasi kota modern. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui studi literatur dan analisis dokumen yang terkait kondisi sosial-ekonomi Jakarta. Data dianalisis dengan metode tematik berdasarkan kerangka Mezmir, melalui proses pengkodean, pengelompokan tema, dan penyusunan narasi untuk menafsirkan hubungan antara transformasi kota, neoliberalisme, dan identitas Muslim. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa identitas Muslim di Jakarta tidak hilang, tetapi bertransformasi menjadi bentuk hibrid yang memadukan etika Islam dengan praktik modern seperti zakat digital, gaya hidup halal, dan solidaritas sosial berbasis masjid. Adaptasi ini menunjukkan ketahanan dan kreativitas umat Muslim dalam menghadapi modernitas. Implikasi penelitian ini adalah pentingnya kebijakan kota yang inklusif, yang mampu melindungi praktik keagamaan, memperkuat keadilan sosial, dan mendorong solidaritas komunitas di tengah tekanan neoliberal.
Keywords:
Urban Transformation , Muslim Identity , Modernity , Cultural Hybridization , NeoliberalismReferences:
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