Mobilizing Piety Islam And Feminism In Indonesia

By Rachel Rinaldo

Book Description

In the world's largest Muslim nation, women are redefining what it means to be both faithful and empowered. Rachel Rinaldo takes readers into the heart of Indonesia's vibrant capital, where she spent eight years observing how women navigate the intersection of Islamic devotion and modern aspirations.

Through intimate portraits of four distinct groups of activists in Jakarta, this groundbreaking study reveals how Indonesian women are crafting new pathways between spiritual commitment and social engagement. From secular feminists balancing personal faith with political activism to conservative Muslim women embracing empowerment within religious frameworks, these stories illuminate the diverse ways women integrate belief and action.

Rinaldo's extensive fieldwork uncovers a surprising truth that challenges conventional wisdom about religion and women's rights. Rather than constraining women's participation in public life, Indonesia's Islamic revival has actually opened new doors for female leadership and moral authority. The women featured here demonstrate remarkable creativity in using religious discourse to advocate for equality, rights, and social change.

Whether working within established Muslim organizations or forging independent paths, these activists show how spiritual conviction can fuel rather than hinder women's empowerment. Their experiences offer profound insights into how faith communities worldwide might embrace both tradition and transformation, revealing possibilities for authentic spiritual growth that honors both divine calling and human dignity.