When Pluralism Became a Value for a Muslim Militia: The Case of Banser (Barisan Ansor Serba Guna)

• In Event: Islamic Authenticity and Uncivil Society in Indonesia - Sponsored by the Indonesia Timor Leste Studies Committee (ITLSC)

Abstract

Nahdlatul Ulama’s young men’s organization Ansor, seeks to train non-radical Muslim leaders with a range of expertise and foci. Ansor has a sub-organization called Banser which regularly guards Christian churches, liberal Muslims, and businesses from being targeted by extremists like the Islamic Defenders Front. In June 2000, it was prepared to send forces to defend Christians against attacks from a Muslim militia called Laskar Jihad. Further Banser volunteers have been responders to “shock” events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. As of late, they have worked with local and national security forces to prepare to counter ISIS if it were to come to Indonesia. However, Banser has violent past including its involvement in the 1965-1966 massacres of alleged communists which left over 500,000 dead nationwide. This paper explores the historical contours of Banser’s involvement with both civil society and uncivil society. The discussions and debates around 1965-1966 and the protection of religious minorities hinge around claims of NU authenticity. In these debates, Ansor and Banser find themselves facing other groups which make competing claims for Islamic authenticity, and even groups like FPI who make competing claims for NU (cultural) authenticity.

Author

• Ronald Lukens-Bull, University of North Florida