Popular Culture, Religion and Society. A Social- Scientifi c Approach

Volume 1

Series editor Adam Possamai , Western Sydney University , Australia

What happens when popular culture not only amuses, entertains, instructs and relaxes, but also impacts on social interactions and perception in the fi eld of religion? This series explores how religion, spirituality and popular culture co-exist intimately. Religion sometimes creates and regulates popular culture, religious actors who express themselves in popular culture are also engaged in shaping popular religion, and in doing so, both processes make some experiences possible for some, and deny access to others. The central theme of this series is thus on how religion affects and appropriates popular culture, and on how popular culture creates and/or re-enforces religion. The interaction under scrutiny is not only between the imaginary and ‘real’ world but also between the online and off-line one, and this revitalises the study of popular religion through its involvement in popular culture and in new social media technologies such as Facebook and Twitter.Works presented in this series move beyond text analysis and use new and ground-breaking theories in anthropology, communication, cultural studies, religious studies, social philosophy, and sociology to explore the interrelation between religion, popular culture, and contemporary society.

More information about this series at http://www.springer.com/series/13357

Al Makin

Challenging Islamic Orthodoxy Accounts of Lia Eden and Other Prophets in Indonesia

ISSN 2509-3223 ISSN 2509-3231 (electronic) Popular Culture, Religion and Society. A Social-Scientifi c Approach ISBN 978-3-319-38976-9 ISBN 978-3-319-38978-3 (eBook) DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-38978-3

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016949743

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifi cally the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfi lms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specifi c statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made.

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Al Makin Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University Yogyakarta , Indonesia

To my beloved wife, Ro’fah, who, with love and strength, cares for our mommy, Bune Siwat, who just left us.

vii

Acknowledgments

In writing this book, I liken myself to a traveler returning home from a long journey to a foreign land. This is so, as my dissertation (Makin 2010a) discusses the theme of prophethood in the Arabian Peninsula during the seventh century. This book still chooses the subject of prophethood but in a different place and context—that is, in my homeland, Indonesia. During the course of writing this book, I visited some old and new friends in Bojonegoro, Yogyakarta, Jakarta, and Medan. I went to the old places of my childhood and to new places as well, where I found with surprise vari-ous religious traditions. In Indonesian studies, I often hear a dilemma raised by Indonesian and non-Indonesian scholars—that is, on one hand, Indonesians still inadequately promote the rich archipelagic traditions and cultures in the world forum; on the other hand, however, only a few Indonesians pay attention to subjects or areas outside the country. When I wrote my dissertation at Heidelberg University, Germany, I was an Indonesian student who underwent the task of studying classical Arabic literature. Now, I, like many other Indonesian scholars such as Azyumardi Azra, am concerned by the fact that many works about Indonesia are still penned by non-Indonesians. Apparently, Indonesians like to talk about themselves, yet their works are not taken seriously enough to be deemed suitable for publication in English. When I taught the course “the History of Politics and Religion in Java” at the Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies (ICRS) and the Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies (CRCS), Gajah Mada University of Yogyakarta, in 2013, Peter Carey, invited as the guest professor in the course, also raised this issue. That is, more Indonesian scholars need to promote their own tradition, but at the same time need to show their knowledge about the world outside of their county. With this book, I, like many other Indonesian colleagues with their publications, wish to humbly contribute to scholarly discussion about Indonesia by Indonesians.

All in all, this work owes a million thanks to numerous friends, colleagues, teachers and students—fi rst of all, to Michael Feener who kindly and generously invited me to join the Asia Research Institute (ARI) of the National University of Singapore, which granted me the fellowship to pursue this dream publication. My gratitude also goes to Prasenjit Duara, the director of the ARI. Thanks to all of the ARI’s staff (Kalaichelvi Krisnan, Vernice Tan Ser Nee, Jonathan Lee Ming Yao, and

viii

others), who were so helpful during my stay in Singapore, and to all research fellows—Robin Bush, Michelle Ann Miller, Jeremy Jacob Kingsley, Philip Michael Fountain, Martin van Bruinessen, Bernard Arps, Steve Ferzacca, Julius Bautista, Lai Ah-Eng, Sandeep Ray, and others—with whom I discussed various subjects during seminars and lunches. My sincerest thanks to Arskal Salim, and his family (Maya, Akmal, Michael, Marsal), for his long friendship since Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bochum, Singapore, and Sydney. His sincerity and genuineness serve as a model for me to follow. Special thanks should also go to Andrew Yeo Zhi Jian, whose advice on English contributed greatly to this work. And to my Singaporean friends, Muhammad Hannan Hassan (MUIS), Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib (MUIS), and Nenek Salbiyah (Bukit Panjang), thank you for your kindness during my lonely stay in Singapore.

I presented the draft of my manuscript on many occasions, at the ARI seminars, a conference at the School of Social Sciences, Management University, Singapore (November 5–6, 2012), classes and seminars at the Gajah Mada University, Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University, International Indonesia Forum (IIF) (August 21–22, 2013), and in other informal discussions. I thank all of those who have criti-cally discussed the theme of prophethood—comments, criticism, and complements have indeed enriched the draft of this book. To my students at my classes at Pascasarjana and Ushuluddin Faculty, UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Gajah Mada University, Duta Wacana University, thank you for your courage in challenging my ideas. I thank Siti Syamsiyatun, Dicky Sofjan, Fatimah Husein, Maufur (Ipung), Gerrith Singgih, Jeanny Dhewayani, Leonard Chrysostomos Epafras, and others.

At the Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University, I should convey my gratitude to the Rector Musa Asy’arie and Vice-Rectors, e.i. Sekar Ayu Aryani, the Dean of the Ushuluddin Faculty, Syaifan Nur, and all colleagues who allowed me to take leave for the conduct of this research. My thanks go to Saptoni, Syaifuddin Zuhri, Ain Dewi Utami, Ratno Lukito, Sayyidah Aslamah, Euis Nurlaelawati, Agus Nuryatno, Moch. Nur Ichwan, Ahmad Muhammad, Noorhaidi Hasan, Khoiron Nahdliyin, Ridwan, Muhammad Zuhdi, Rezza Maulana Mata, and other crew of the journal Al-Jamiah. My thank should also go to Yudian Wahyudi, who is currently serving as the rector of Sunan Kalijaga, for giving me recommendation to go to Singapore. In the Department of Sociology of Religions, I thank Muhammad Amin, Nurussa’adah, M. Soehadha, M. Damami, Inayah Rohmaniyah, Adib Sofi a, Nafi lah Abdullah, Chumaidi Syarif Romas, Lalu Darmawan, Munawar, Yasir Arafat, Roma Ulinnuha, and other lecturers. I also thank Tracy Webster for reading this book patiently and giving advice to improve the English.

My gratitude also goes to the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia, espe-cially to the director Kamaruddin Amin, to the former and current directors of Higher Education Dede Rosyada and Amsal Baktiar, to the former and current Heads of Research and Community Service, Khaironi, and Mamat Salamet Burhanuddin, and Zidal Huda, Subandriyah, and others. To the committee and examiners of funding Amin Abdullah and Faisal Ismail (Sunan Kalijaga), the two long life teachers, thank you for your never-ending support of my career. I am also grateful to Suzanne Enderwitz (Heidelberg University), my teacher and dissertation

Acknowledgments

ix

supervisor whose hands are always open to me. For friendship during my stay in Heidelberg, thank you Nina Sasani. For Mark Woodward (Arizona University) and Philip Buckley (McGill University), thank for your suggestions and encouragement.

In Sydney, I am deeply grateful to Adam Possamai for his support, kindness, and generosity during my stay in the Religion and Society Research Center, at the Western Sydney University. And it is Possamai, the series editor of “Popular Culture, Religion and Society,” who relentlessly supports the publication of this work. In the center I had an opportunity to know Julia D. Howell, also made friend-ship with Eva Garcia, Nadirsyah Hosen (who also shared some stories of Eden with me), Firdaus Wajdi, Atun Wardatun, and a table tennis master, Wahyudin. My stay in Sydney to fi nalize the manuscript was possible due to the Endeavour Scholarship Australia, to whose crew and team, such as Manu Singal, I am always grateful. To the Springer team: Anita van der Linden-Rachmat, Christina dos Santos, Rameshbabu Rathinam, Chitra Sundarajan, thanks to all generous supports and kind helps to fi nally make this work see the light of the days; and thanks to the anony-mous referees of Springer for valuable advice.

I also thank all informants and sources: Paduka Bunda Lia, all Prophetic Council members (YM Abdul Rachman, YM Dunuk Luxfi aty, YM Andito Putro Wibisono, YM Arif Rosyad, and all others whose names are mentioned repeatedly in this book) Aar Sumardiono’s family, the village administration of Bungur, Ciputat circle (Din Wachid, Ismatu Ropi, Alimunhanif, Yeni Ratnayuningsih), all NGO activists (Mayong, Suaidi, Hasani, Nong Darul Mahmada, Lutfi e Assyaukani, Musdah Mulia, Dawam Rahardjo, and others in LBH, JIL, Setara, Wahid Institute, and Freedom Institute), leaders of Samin in Bojonegoro, of Parmalim in Medan, and of some alirans in Yogyakarta (their names are mentioned in this book). Special thanks to Indra Harahap for his friendship and sharing his expertise with me, and Faisal Reza who welcomed me in Medan and guided me to Balige. Thanks also to Bung Surya Darma in Medan.

To my beloved wife, Ro’fah, and our two knights—Nabiyya Perennia and Arasy Dei, who are growing faster and taller than us—thank you for allowing me to stay away from you so often. To my siblings, Ilham Khoiri (who also guided me to Kompas library), Anis Hidayah, Teguh Prawiro, and their children (Dea Orienta, Sakwa, and Binar Bening Embun), thank you for sharing the responsibility of taking care of our mom, Bune Siwat, who just left us.

Acknowledgments

xi

Contents

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 My Question . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Defi ning Prophet and Prophethood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Suppressing Popular Religions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Defi ning Pluralism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Defeat of Pluralism in the New Public Sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Tools of Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

2 Her Majesty Queen Lia Eden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Mahoni Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 The Eden Kingdom Welcoming Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Bunda Lia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Personality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 First Disappointment with the Ulama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 God’s Answer: Salamullah Water Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Ulama Council Fired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 From Sister Lia to Her Majesty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Uttering Divine Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 The Increasing Claim to Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

3 The Salamullah Religious Sermon (1997–1999) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Joining the Sermon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Rachman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Dunuk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Yanthi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Aar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Umar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Cici . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Ivuk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Tri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

xii

Cipi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 The Savior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 The Public Battle Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

4 The Bumpy Road to Apostasy (2000–2004) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Declaring the Salamullah Religion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Command for Seclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Villagers’ Suspicion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Assault on Salamullah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Curses in the Rhetoric of God’s Revelation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 On the Spirits of Indonesian Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Consolidation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Unity of Religions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Demanding More Authority and Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Sacrifi ces for God’s Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Gabriel’s Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

5 Defending God’s Kingdom (2005–2007) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Consolidation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 No Religion in God’s Paradise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Corrupt Politicians and Natural Disasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Those Who Undermined Gabriel’s Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Doomsday Is Imminent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Gabriel Arrested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Gabriel’s Rage in the Court Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Rachman’s Eloquent Defense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 In Prison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Three Books in Prison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

6 The Weakening of God’s Kingdom (2008–2012) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 In Defense of the Powerless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Consolidation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Facing the Second Arrest and Court Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 The Father Will Come Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Another Battle in Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Deeper Contemplation During the Second Jail Term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Financial Bailout During Diffi cult Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 The Departure of Some Messengers from God’s Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

7 The Public Battle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 The Prejudicial Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Radical Intruders into Mahoni Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 In the Eyes of Ciputat Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Victorious Persecutors and Prosecutors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Devil in Disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

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Unfair Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 The Defeat of the Defenders in Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Advocates of Pluralism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 NRMs and Islamic Orthodoxy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Pluralism Revisited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Contents

xv

Abbreviations and Special Words

Abbreviations

AKABRI Akademi Bersenjata Republik Indonesia (The Indonesian Armed Force Academy).

AKKB Aliansi Kebangsaan untuk Kebebasan Beragama dan Berkeyakinan (The National Alliance For the Freedom to Embrace Religion and Faith).

ASK Angesti Sampurnaning Kautaman (Seeking the Perfection of Character), a mystical sect founded by Darmopodo.

Bakorpakem Badan Koordinasi Pengawas Aliran Kepercayaan (The Coordinating Board for Monitoring Mystical groups in Society).

Baksos Bakti sosial (social service). BK5I Badan Koordinasi Karyawan Kerohanian Kebatinan Kejiwaan

Indonesia (The Coordination Body of Association of the believers in Spirituality and Mysticism in Indonesia).

BKKI Badan Kongres Kebatinan Indonesia (The Congress Council of Indonesian Mysticism).

BKOK Badan Koordinasi Organisasi Kepercayaan terhadap Tuhan Yang Maha Esa (Coordination Body of Organizations of Believers in One God).

BKR Badan Keamanan Rakyat (The People’s Security Agency). BPK Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan (The State Audit Agency). BPN Badan Pertanahan Nasional (The National Land Agency). BPS Badan Pusat Statistik (The Central Statistics Agency). DDI Dewan Dakwah Islam (The Council of Islamic Missionary). DKT Jawatan Kesehatan Tentara (The Army’s Health Department). DPR Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (The House of Representatives). DSN Dewan Syariah National (The National Sharia Council) of the MUI

(see also MUI).

xvi

FAPB Front Anti Permurtadan Bekasi (The Front for Anti-Apostasy in Bekasi).

FKPK Forum Komunikasi Penghayat Kepercayaan terhadap Tuhan Yang Maha Esa (The Forum for Communication of the Believers in One God).

FPI Front Pembela Islam (Islamic Defenders Front). FUI Forum Umat Islam (The Islamic Community Forum). GAM Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (The Aceh’s Movement for Independence). GKJ Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (The Art Building of Jakarta). Golkar Golongan Karya (The Party of the Functional Group), the ruling

political party during the New Order of Soeharto. HMI Himpunan Mahasiswa Islam (The Muslim Student Association). HPK Himpunan Penghayat Kepercayaan (The Association of Mystical

Groups’ Believers). HTI Indonesian Hizbut Tahrir (The Indonesian Party of Liberation). IAIN Institut Agama Islam Negeri (The State Institute of Islamic Studies),

two of the notable IAINs, Jakarta and Yogyakarta, have trans-formed into UINs (The State Islamic University).

ICCPR International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. ICRP Indonesian Conference for Religion and Peace. IIQ Institut Ilmu Quran (The Institute of Quranic Studies). IPB Institut Pertanian Bogor (The Bogor Institute of Agriculture). ITB Institute Teknologi Bandung (The Bandung Institute Technology). JIL Jaringan Islam Liberal (The Liberal Islam Network). Kamtibmas Keamanan dan Ketertiban Masyarakat (The Society’s Security and

Order). KKN korupsi, kolusi, dan nepotisme (corruption, collusion, and

nepotism). KPKB Koalisi Pembela Kebebasan Beragama (The Coalition in Defense

of Freedom of Religion). KPU Komite Pemilihan Umum (The General Election Commission). KUA Kantor Urusan Agama (The Local Religious Affairs Offi ce). KUHAP Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Acara Pidana (The Book of Law on

Criminal Procedure and Code). KUHP Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Pidana (The Book of Law on

Criminal Code). LBH Lembaga Bantuan Hukum (The Legal Aid Institute). LE2 Lia Eden Two (a signature by Lia Eden indicating that she is the

representative of Gabriel on earth; in Lia Eden there are two ele-ments: Lia and Gabriel).

LPPI Lembaga Pengkajian dan Penelitian Islam (The Institute for Study and Research of Islam), founded and led by Amin Djamaluddin in Central Jakarta.

Masyumi Majelis Syuro Muslimin Indonesia (The Council for Indonesian Muslims Association).

Abbreviations and Special Words

xvii

MK Mahkamah Konstitusi (The Constitutional Court). MMI Majelis Mujahidin Indonesia (The Indonesian Council for Jihadi

People). MPR Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat (The People’s Consultative

Assembly). Monas Monument Nasional (The National Monument in Jakarta). MS-PPMT Majelis Syura Pondok Pesantren Modern Terpadu (The High

Council of Modern Islamic Boarding School System). MUI Majelis Ulama Indonesia (The Indonesian Ulama Council). NGO Non-governmental organization. NRM New Religious Movement. NU Nahdlatul Ulama (the Rise of the Ulama), the biggest Muslim orga-

nization in Indonesia. Pakem Pengawasan Aliran Kepercayaan Masyarakat (Watchdog for

Mystical Sects in Society) PBB Partai Bulan Bintang (The Crescent Party). PBR Partai Bintang Reformasi (The Reform Star Party). PERSIS Persatuan Islam (The Islamic Union). Pertamina Perusahaan Pertambangan Minyak dan Gas Bumi Negara (The

State Oil and Natural Gas Mining Company). Pesindo Pemuda Sosialis Indonesia (The Indonesian Socialist Youth). Peta Pembela Tanah Air (The Homeland Defenders). PGA Pendidikan Guru Agama (The High School for Religious Teachers). PKS Partai Keadilan Sejahtera (The Prosperous Justice Party). PNI Partai Nasional Indonesia (The National Indonesian Party). Q. Quran, Muslim scripture. RT Rukun Tetangga (neighborhood unit), the smallest unit of village

administration. RW Rukun Warga (village administration coordinating the RTs), see

also RT. SBY Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the current Indonesian president. SCTV Surya Citra Televisi, a private Indonesian TV station. SK Surat Keputusan (letter of appointment). SKK Sekretariat Kerjasama Kepercayaan terhadap Tuhan Yang Maha

Esa (The Joint Secretariat of the Cooperation of the Believers in One God).

SMA Sekolah Menengah Atas (Senior High School). SMP Sekolah Menengah Pertama (Junior High School). STIA-LAN Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Administrasi Lembaga Negara (The State

Institute of State Administration). Subud Susilo Budhi Dharma (For the Service of Noble Characters), a

mystical sect founded by Muhammad Subuh. TPKB Tim Pembela Kebebasan Beragama (The Advocates Team for

Defending the Freedom of Religions). UGM Gajah Mada University.

Abbreviations and Special Words

xviii

UI Indonesian University. UIN Universitas Islam Negeri (State Islamic University), see also IAIN. WK Wahana Kebangsaan (The Patriotic Forum), referring to the mem-

bers of Eden group who live outside Mahoni Street, or adepts.

Special Words

Asri A known magazine specializing in arranging houses.

Ahlu kitab The people of the book—a term in Islamic tradi-tion referring to Jews and Christians. However, this term is used by Muchidin Safa, also known as Abu Ala, a claimant to prophethood based in Jakarta, to refer to Muslims, who do not testify of his prophethood.

Agama Adam Adam’s religion (referring to Samin). Agus Nata Sukarno Putra Agus, the son of Sukarno in charge, a title borne

by Agus Imam Sholihin, a claimant to prophet-hood based in Jakarta.

Aliran kebatinan/kepercayaan Mystical/spiritual sects. Al-Masih al-maw’ud The awaited Messiah, a title borne by Ahmad

Mushoddeq, a claimant to prophethood based in Jakarta.

Anggota Member (Indonesian), referring to the members of Subud.

At-Taibin Those who repent, an NGO founded by Lia Eden.

Balai desa Village offi ce (Indonesian). Bale Pasogit The headquarter of Parmalim in Hutatinggi

Lagobuti Sumatera. Banua ginjang The upper part of the world inhibited by Gods

(Batak). Banua tonga The middle part of the world inhibited by man-

kind (Batak). Banua toru The underworld (Batak). Bapak Father (Indonesian). Batara Guru God of Justice who created this world (Batak). Begu Spirit (Batak). Bintang kemukus Comet (Javanese), believed to appear in the sky

during Sukarno’s birthday. Bius Rite with sacrifi cing buffalo (Batak). Bongso Walondo The Dutch (Javanese). Budi luhur Committed to virtuous deeds (Javanese).

Abbreviations and Special Words

xix

Bulu bekti Paying taxes to show obedience to a ruler (Javanese).

Bunda Maria The Virgin Mary, of whom Lia Eden is believed to be the reincarnation.

Bupati District’s head. Carik Village’s secretary. Dajjal Antichrist. Dakwah Islamic missionary. Dalang Shadow puppet player (Javanese). Datu Traditional healer (Batak). Dawuh Command (one of divine revelation received by

claimant to prophethood), see also wisik, ilham, sabda, wahyu, and sapaan.

Debata Natolu Three Gods (Batak). Departemen Kejaksaan The Attorney General. Dewan Kerasulan The Prophetic Council, referring to 20 followers

of the Eden group, or devotees. Dharma Wanita The Wives’ Association of Civil Servants. Doli-doli Young men (Batak). Dukun Traditional healer (Javanese). Eden The religious movement or group founded by

Lia Eden. Erucakra Awaited just king (Javanese). Gondang Batak drum. Habib al-Huda Guide to enlightenment, later believed to be the

Archangel Gabriel who guided Lia Eden. Hadatuon Miracle (Batak). Halal Allowed foods or acts in Islamic law. Haram Forbidden foods or acts in Islamic law. HMA huwal mu’jizatul a’la (he who has the highest

miracle), a title borne by Bijak Bestari, a claim-ant to prophethood based in Jakarta.

Ruhul Amin The true Spirit, a name of Gabriel (Lia Eden). Ihutan Leader (Batak). Ilham Inspiration (one of divine revelation received by

claimants to prophethood), see also wisik, dawuh, sabda, wahyu, and sapaan.

Imam besar Great spiritual leader (Indonesian), a title borne by Abdul Rachman, the second most important person in the Eden group.

Iqra A method to learn Arabic letters. Jati sawit Endeavor (cultivating self), in the Samin teach-

ing (Javanese).

Abbreviations and Special Words

xx

Jawa’ guide of human beings, a title borne by Amaq Bakri, claimant to prophethood based in Lombok.

Jilbab Veil worn by Muslim woman. Jimat Amulet (Javanese). Joan of Arc A fi fteenth-century French saint and heroine

who was executed by burning at the stake, of whom Lia Eden is believed to be the reincarnation

Jujur Honest (Javanese). Kabah The sacred house in Mecca serving as the direc-

tion of Muslims’ prayers. Kartini Indonesian feminist hero, of whom Lia Eden is

believed to be the reincarnation. Kedap Self-isolation from the crowd (Lia Eden). Ketoprak Traditional Javanese drama with high Javanese

language or kromo. Kiamat doomsday (Indonesia). Kitab Sasangka Jati The Book of True Self, Scripture of Pangestu. Khatam the fi nality of Muhammad’s prophethood in

Islam; no prophet will come after him. Konco sikep Companion of those who embrace wives and

lands, referring to Samin followers. Kunti The queen of Hastinapura and the mother of

Pandava in the epic of Mahabharata, of whom Lia Eden is believed to be the reincarnation.

Kyai Islamic leaders or teacher of pesantren (see also pesantren and santri).

Lampahing urip Life journey, in the Samin teaching (Javanese). Latihan Spiritual training (Indonesian) (Subud). Londo Mondolan Javanese offi cials during the Dutch era. Lumbung desa Village’s rice bank. Ludruk Traditional East Javanese drama with ngoko/

low level of Javanese. Lurah Village’s head. Malim/Ugamo Malim White or pure religion in Batak. Mangan napaet Asking forgiveness from God in the Malim

religion. Marari sabtu Parmalim Saturday sermon. Marsomba tu debata Showing thanks to God in the Malim religion. Martutuaek Celebration of the birth in the Malim religion. Mengala Bulan The master of evil (Batak). Modin Islamic offi cial at the village level. Mubahalah Public debate with curse for those whose view

are proven wrong.

Abbreviations and Special Words

xxi

Muholla Small mosque. Muhammadiyah The second biggest Muslim organization in

Indonesia. Muktamar Meeting and discussion among NU leaders. Mula Jadi Na Bolon The supreme God, who began all existences

(Batak). Murabbi Teacher, rank in the Tarbiyah circle. Murbo Hamaseso God who is the sovereign of the universe

(Sumarah Purbo). Nabi Prophet, those who claimed leadership with the

legitimacy of divine revelation and charisma, bringing a mission to revitalize the world order.

Naga Padoha The powerful ocean snake causing natural earth-quakes, thunders, and rains (Batak).

Najis Considered dirty in Islam law. Nandang those who tell only the truth, a title borne by

Amaq Bakri, a claimant to prophethood based in Lombok.

Narima Accepting, or feeling suffi cient (Javanese). Ngelmu Knowledge (Javanese). Nyai Roro Kidul/Ratu Kidul The Goddess of the South Javanese Sea. Ojek Motorcycle taxi. Paduka Bunda Lia “Her Majesty Mother Lia,” a title borne by Lia

Eden. Paliwara Prohibitions (Pangestu). Pancasila The Five Principles of Indonesia, also referring

to fi ve teachings in Samin in Tapelan Bojonegoro, and fi ve commandments of Pangestu.

Pande manusia Expert in human affairs, a title borne by Amaq Bakri, a claimant to prophethood based in Lombok.

Panembah Prayer or meditation. Panembahan Honorable leader (Javanese), a title borne by

Akhmad Mukhyar, a claimant to prophethood based in East Java.

Pangestu Paguyuban Ngesti Tunggal (forum for seeking union with God), a mystical sect founded by Sunarto.

Panuntun Agung Sri Gutama The great Guide, a title borne by the founder of Sapta Dharma Harjosapuro.

Paranpara Spiritual advisor or guide, referring to Sunarto, the founder of Pangestu.

Parbaringin Batak priests. Parhudamdam Batak native religion.

Abbreviations and Special Words

xxii

Parmalim The believers of Ugamo Malim/pure or white religion in Batak.

Pasahat tondi Mourning the dead in the Malim religion. Pelatih Spiritual trainer (Indonesian) (Subud). Pengageng Ruler (Javanese), a title borne by Sumito

Joyokusumo, a claimant to divinity based in Central Java.

Pengajian Islamic sermon. Perennialism Unity of all religions and faiths (Lia Eden). Persantian Branches offi ce of Parmalim. Pesantren Traditional Islamic boarding school (see also

santri and kyai). Pikukuh kesejatin The true existence, in the Samin teaching

(Javanese). Pingit Seclusion for Javanese girls before marriage. Priyayi Javanese noble people. Pustaha Poda Hangoluan Malim’s scripture. Racut The highly deemed stage of contemplation in

Sapta Dharma, a union with God during which one experiences death in life.

Rasul Messenger, many prophets in Indonesia claim-ing to be God’s messenger. However, Lia Eden designates her devotees, who live in the Eden house, as messengers.

Ratib Recitation (Arabic). Ratu Adil Just king, known as Eru Cakra in Java. Ratu Rabul Alamin The king of the universe (Arabic), a title borne

by Kayin Bapa Kayah, a claimant to propheth-ood based in West Java.

Reincarnation During colonial times, many claimed to be the reincarnations of Si Singamangaraja XII. In the reform period, many prophets across Java were also believed to be the reincarnations of mythi-cal fi gures. Lia Eden, on the other hand, believes that the spirits of deceased persons are trans-formed into the persons of the next generations, who are still burdened with the sins of previous persons, and the current persons are therefore obliged to cleanse the sins of the past persons (Lia Eden).

Resi Brahmana The supreme priest, a title borne by the founder of Sapta Dharma Harjosapuro.

Rido Sincere (Javanese). Roh Suci The Holy Spirit from which all spirits of lives

come (Pangestu).

Abbreviations and Special Words

xxiii

Ruh min amrih The Spirit of God’s affairs, a name of Gabriel (Lia Eden).

Ruhul Kudus The Holy Spirit, a name of Gabriel (Lia Eden). Sabar Patience (Javanese). Sabda Khusus Special Command, a scripture of Pangestu. Sabda Command (one of the divine revelations

received by claimants to prophethood), see also wisik, ilham, dawuh, wahyu, and sapaan.

Sabda-Sabda Pratama Supreme Commands, a scripture of Pangestu. Sahala Power/destiny (Batak). Sajadah Mattress for prayers. Salamullah Regular Islamic sermon held by Lia Eden in the

early stage of her prophethood. Sanggar Center of activities (Sapta Dharma). Santet Dark witchcraft. Santri Muslim student of pesantren (see also pesantren

and kyai). Sapaan greeting (one of the divine revelations received

by claimants to prophethood), see also dawuh, wisik, ilham, sabda, and wahyu.

Sapta Dharma Seven Services, a mystical sect founded by Harjosapuro.

Satria Piningit Weteng Buwana The knight hidden in the belly of the earth, a title borne by Agus Imam Sholihin, a claimant to prophethood based in Jakarta.

Sedulur papat lima pancer Four brothers and fi ve pillars (Sumarah Purbo). Sembah Bowing head with meeting of the two hands

(practiced by the Eden group when meeting with all human beings).

Semedi Javanese contemplation. Serat punjer kawitan The origin of life, in the Samin teaching

(Javanese). Shahadah Islamic testimony, there is no God but God, and

Muhammad is His messenger. Sharia Islamic law. Shirk Sinful deed in Islam, that is, associating God’s

power with others. Si Bontar Mata The white eyes/Dutch colonial ruler (Batak). Si Boru Deak Parujar Batara Guru’s daughter (Batak). Sidratul Muntaha Bridge in the hereafter crossing hell and con-

necting to paradise (Lia Eden). Silat Martial art. Sipaha lima Great sacrifi ce in the Malim religion. Sipaha soda Celebration in the fi rst year of Batak calendar in

the Malim religion.

Abbreviations and Special Words

xxiv

Shirotal mustaqim The straight bridge mentioned in the Quran. But Rohimat and Taufi k, claimants to prophethood based in West Java, take the word to mean a bridge in his house to be passed by people dur-ing doomsday, which had been foretold to hap-pen in 1999.

Songkok Indonesian hat. Soripata The God of Mercy (Batak). Subud Susilo Budhi Dharma/endeavor to achieve noble

character, a mystical sect founded by Muhammad Subuh.

Sujud In Islam the term refers to prostration, but in Pangestu, Sumarah, and ASK it refers to medita-tion without prostration. Sapta Dharma follow-ers, on the other hand, practice sujud with prostration.

Sujud sembah Prostration, or kissing the ground due to respect and obedience (all Eden believers are obliged to do this before Her Majesty Queen Lia Eden).

Suksma Kawekas The source of life (Pangestu). Suksma Sejati The true life, which created life (Pangestu). Tapa Javanese seclusion and contemplation. Tarbiyah Education section/faculty, in this book the term

refers to an Islamic sermon circle. Tawhid Islamic concept of monotheism, stressing the

oneness of God. Tirakatan Awakening all night with prayers (Lia Eden). Tondi Soul (Batak). Tri-purasa Three dimensions/elements (Pangestu). Ulama Islamic scholars (see also MUI). Umroh Lesser pilgrimage to Mecca. Uri-uri pambudi Moral advices, in the Samin teaching (Javanese). Ustaz Islamic preacher. Wahyu cakarningrat Revelation of fortune to gain power (old

Javanese). Wahyu Revelation (one of the divine revelations

received by claimants to prophethood), see also wisik, ilham, sabda, dawuh, and sapaan.

Wayang Shadow puppet show (Javanese). Wirid Chanting Arabic words. Wisik Whisper (one of the divine revelations received

by claimants to prophethood), see also dawuh, ilham, sabda, wahyu, and sapaan.

Abbreviations and Special Words

xxv

Yang dimuliakan The Honorable, referring to the Prophetic Council of the Eden group, or devotees.

Yayasan Zakya Maqta The Highest Truth Foundation, founded by Bijak Bestari, a claimant to prophethood based in Jakarta.

Abbreviations and Special Words

xxvii

List of Figures

Fig. 1.1 Map of the locations of the prophets discussed in this book . . . . . . . 23

Fig. 2.1 Lia Eden in 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Fig. 2.2 Muhammad Abdul Rachman in 2011, the great imam of the Eden

kingdom, the reincarnation of the Prophet Muhammad . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Fig. 2.3 Muhammad Abdul Rachman and the author in 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Fig.3.1 Dunuk Luxfi aty in 2011, the reincarnation of Goddess Kwan Im . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Fig. 3.2 Arif Rosyad in 2011, one of the Eden’s secretaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Fig. 4.1 The house of Eden in Jalan Mahoni no. 30, Senen, Jakarta . . . . . . . . 84 Fig. 4.2 A statue of an angel sitting in the garden of Eden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Fig. 5.1 The front yard of the Eden kingdom, God’s paradise on earth in 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Fig. 5.2 Children playing in Eden’s front yard in 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Fig. 5.3 Eden’s front yard in 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Fig. 6.1 God’s revelation hanged on the Eden house’s wall in 2011, “I made the Mount Merapi erupting in order to destroy the myth of Nyi Loro Kidul (South Sea Goddess); and that is the collapse of shirk (associating God’s power with those of creatures) committed by those who venerated her” . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Fig. 6.2 God’s revelation hanged on the Eden house’s wall in 2014 . . . . . . . 120 Fig. 6.3 God’s revelation hanged on the Eden house’s wall in 2014 . . . . . . . 121

Fig. 7.1 Amin Djamaluddin’s collection of magazines and books of “deviant sects.” From right to left , the magazine Panji ’s cover presenting Bijak Bestari, Ahmad Mushaddeq’s book, and Bestari’s book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144