Muslim Intellectualism in Indonesia: The Liberal Islam Network Controversy

There has been a strong and sometimes violent reaction to the activities of the young Muslim intellectuals involved in the Liberal Islam Network (JIL) in Indonesia. JIL's high profile and outspoken strategy have caused a storm of controversy and led to many other Indonesian liberal Islamic groups seeking to distance themselves from JIL. An examination of the responses to JIL reveals much about the proper role and responsibilities of intellectuals, particularly in developing new ideas in Islamic society.