BRIN Researcher Presents Findings on the Paradox of Feminism In Indonesia

UIII.AC.ID, DEPOK - The Faculty of Social Sciences (FoSS) at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) hosted on January 5, 2024, a thought-provoking discussion on the paradoxes inherent in Islamic feminism in Indonesia. The event, part of the Brownbag Series, featured Mr. Amin Mudzakkir, a distinguished FoSS Research Fellow and Researcher at the Center for Area Studies, National Research and Innovation Agency (PRW BRIN).

Held at the university’s Teleconference Room of Faculty A Building, Mr. Mudzakkir's discourse opened with a reflection on Nancy Fraser's perspective, which cast a critical eye on the division between the politics of recognition and redistribution within Islamic feminism. This division, as Mr. Mudzakkir eloquently pointed out, has steered the discourse towards a monolithic focus on identity politics, neglecting the nuanced complexities of the political economy.

The thematic core of Mr. Mudzakkir's talk, titled "The Paradox of Feminism in Indonesia: Political Economy, Muslim Piety, and Authority," provided a framework for an in-depth exploration. The ongoing research supported by UIII allowed Mr. Mudzakkir to identify and dissect the problems surrounding the interpretation and implementation of piety within the Indonesian Muslim feminist discourse. This detailed examination shed light on the challenges faced by female Muslim feminists and underscored the need to move beyond surface-level discussions of identity politics.

The discourse extended beyond the struggles of female Muslim feminists, delving into the role of male Muslim feminists and the complex relationship between Islamic feminism and religious authority. By tracing these dynamics during both the New Order and Reformasi periods, Mr. Mudzakkir provided a comprehensive picture of the evolution and challenges of Islamic feminism in Indonesia.

The Master of Ceremonies, Nia Deliana PhD, lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences, played a pivotal role in guiding the audience through the layers of complexity within the topic. Her adept facilitation ensured that attendees, comprising students, scholars, and intellectuals, were actively engaged in the dialogue, creating an intellectually stimulating environment.

The Brownbag Series at UIII's FOSS, featuring Mr. Amin Mudzakkir's illuminating discourse, stands as a testament to the university's dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering an environment where the intricacies of Islamic feminism in Indonesia are dissected with depth and nuance. This event serves as a beacon of UIII's commitment to shaping individuals who possess the intellectual acumen to navigate the complexities of our ever-evolving world.

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