Democratization in Indonesia: Appearance Pattern of “Modern Kiai (Islamic Leaders)” in Moslem Community

Abstract

In Moslem community, a “Kiai  (Islamic Leader)” serves as a religious- and community-leader as well. This research presents the shift in the appearance of  “Modern Kiai” with consistent / stable, and opened values to guarantee the circulation. The questioned consistent and opened values are based on one’s competencies of the following factors:

a)       Morality and norm based on local religion / believe, and culture

b)       Higher general education from the surrounding community

c)       Technology and information competencies

d)       Economic competencies that is not always sourcing from traditionally agricultural cultivated land, but also from other non-agricultural jobs

The consistency of those values, though runs slowly, are socially exist and valid, and also opened for everybody to guarantee the circulation, and are very conducive in the democration process.

Keywords: “Modern Kiai”, consistent values, democracy