By : Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, Lc., M.E.I.

The student movement has always been the driving force behind social and political change in Indonesia. From the independence era to the 1998 Reformation, student groups have played a significant role in shaping national policies. Amidst this dynamic, Islamic movements among students have also been highly influential. With diverse ideological orientations, these movements offer substantial contributions in spiritual, social, and political aspects.

Islamic movements in Indonesian campuses emerged as a response to the need for deeper intellectual and spiritual spaces. Students, who are naturally agents of change, often use Islam as a value foundation in various actions and thoughts. These movements do not solely focus on preaching and religious education but also advocate for national issues, justice, and democracy.

To understand the dynamics of Islamic movements among students, it is essential to map out the organizations involved and how each group articulates its vision. This way, we can see how Islamic movements have helped shape Indonesia's intellectual and political landscape.

Through this mapping, we will explore how the Tarbiyah Movement, the Indonesian Islamic Student Association (HMI), the Indonesian Muslim Student Movement (PMII), the Indonesian Muslim Student Action Union (KAMMI), and others play a role in shaping student identity and their contributions to the nation. Despite their diversity, these movements share a common vision: making Islam an ethical foundation for societal improvement.

Let us delve deeper into how various elements of Islamic movements among students interact, collaborate, and sometimes compete in building a better future.

Islamic movements among students in Indonesia have undergone various developments from the independence era to the present day. Below are some of the dominant Islamic movements among students:

1.    Indonesian Muslim Student Movement (PMII)

PMII is the student wing of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), established in 1960. PMII focuses on the development of traditional Islamic thought according to Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah. This organization is also actively involved in various social, political, and educational movements. With a pluralistic and moderate mindset, PMII often works in the fields of social advocacy and human rights.

2.    Islamic Student Association (HMI)

HMI is one of the largest and oldest Islamic student organizations in Indonesia, founded in 1947. HMI focuses on the struggle to maintain independence and uphold Islamic values among students. Over time, HMI has been actively involved in many political and social movements, during the Old Order, New Order, and the Reformation era. HMI is known for having a wide spectrum of thought, ranging from moderate to progressive.

3.    Tarbiyah Movement

The Tarbiyah Movement is rooted in the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood from Egypt. It emerged on Indonesian campuses in the 1980s, aiming to educate (tarbiyah) students through religious study groups, halaqah, and other Islamic activities. This movement focuses on shaping morally, intellectually, and spiritually strong Muslim cadres. It later evolved into a political force with the formation of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).

4.    Muhammadiyah Student Association (IMM)

As part of Muhammadiyah, IMM was founded in 1964 and focuses on purifying Islamic teachings and education. IMM plays an active role in developing students' intellectual capacity, particularly within the framework of modern Islamic thought. IMM is also frequently involved in educational, social, and community issues on campuses.

5.    Indonesian Muslim Student Action Union (KAMMI)

KAMMI was born during the Reform era, in 1998, as a platform for Muslim students actively involved in the struggle for democracy and reform in Indonesia. Although initially close to the Tarbiyah Movement and PKS, KAMMI has grown into an independent organization critical of various government policies during the Reform era and beyond.

6.    Campus Da'wah Institutions (LDK)

LDK is a da'wah organization usually based on campuses. It grew significantly in the 1990s and 2000s, focusing on da'wah activities, Islamic studies, and student personal development. LDK has become one of the most active movements in strengthening Islamic movements within higher education institutions, with activities like studies, seminars, and religious training.

7.    Salafi Movement

This movement, inspired by the teachings of Salafism/Wahhabism, is also present on several campuses. They emphasize returning to pure Islamic teachings based on the Qur'an and Hadith and reject innovations in religion (bid'ah). This movement tends to be non-political but has a strong influence on shaping students' religious thinking and lifestyle.

8.    Liberal Islam Network (JIL) and Progressive Movements

JIL advocates for more open and modern Islamic thought, emphasizing values of freedom, tolerance, and human rights. Although it lacks a formal student organization, JIL and other progressive movements have gained followers among students through discussions and studies outside campus.

9.    Independent Islamic Study Groups

In addition to major organizations, there are various independent study groups initiated by students on various campuses. These groups focus on Islamic studies, intellectual discussions, and moral movements. They are often more flexible and not bound by any particular ideology or large organization.

Influence of Islamic Movements on Campus:

These Islamic movements have played a major role in shaping the identity, thought, and political direction of students in Indonesia. They often influence social discourse, campus policies, and broader political movements. At certain times, Islamic-based student movements also participated in national movements such as the 1998 Reformation, as well as contemporary issues like human rights, democracy, and social justice.

With diverse ideological backgrounds and movement orientations, the map of Islamic movements among students remains dynamic and continues to evolve in response to socio-political changes in Indonesia.

Conclusion:

Islamic movements among students are not just religious movements, but a reflection of intellectual, moral, and social responsibility dynamics rooted in Islamic values. Various groups, from moderate to progressive, from those focused on spirituality to political activism, show that Islam has a strong place in shaping the character and direction of student change in Indonesia.

With all its diversity, these movements continue to adapt to the challenges of the times. They not only foster intellectual and religious spirit on campuses but also become an important part of national social and political movements. In the hands of students, Islam becomes more than just a belief—it becomes a foundation for building a more just, inclusive, and dignified nation.

In the end, the role of Islamic movements among students will never fade. Rather, it will continue to grow along with social changes, offering significant contributions to guide Indonesia towards a better future.

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