FRAGMENTASI IDEOLOGIS SAREKAT ISLAM: DARI PERSATUAN UMAT KE POLARISASI ISLAMISME DAN KOMUNISME

Abstract

This article examines the ideological fragmentation of Sarekat Islam, one of the largest mass organizations in Indonesia in the early twentieth century, which underwent a transformation from a movement of Muslim unity into a polarization between Islamism and communism. Departing from the emergence of Sarekat Islam as a continuation of Sarekat Dagang Islam, which initially focused on defending the economic interests of indigenous society under the pressures of colonialism, modernization, and economic competition, this study traces the organization’s internal dynamics in responding to global socio-political changes. The research employs the historical method with a socio-political historical approach, encompassing heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The findings indicate that the influx of nationalism, socialism, and communism, combined with divergent strategies in confronting Dutch colonialism, triggered the division of Sarekat Islam into two main currents: Sarekat Islam Putih and Sarekat Islam Merah. This fragmentation not only reflected ideological differences but also marked the transformation of Sarekat Islam from a socio-religious movement into an arena of modern political contestation. The split subsequently gave rise to new political parties, such as the Partai Sarekat Islam Indonesia and the Partai Komunis Indonesia, which significantly influenced the direction of Indonesia’s national movement. Therefore, the ideological fragmentation of Sarekat Islam constitutes a crucial turning point in the formation of political and ideological currents within the Indonesian national movement.