Darul Islam (Indonesia)

Quick Facts: Who was Darul Islam (Indonesia)?

Subject:

Darul Islam (Indonesia)

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Islamist group fighting for an Islamic state in Indonesia, active since 1942.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

meaning House of Islam), also known as Darul Islam/Islamic Armed Forces of Indonesia (Indonesian: Darul Islam/Tentara Islam Indonesia, DI/TII), was an Islamist group whose goal was to fight for the establishment of an Islamic state in Indonesia. It was established in 1942 by a group of Muslim militias, coordinated by the Muslim politician, Sekarmadji Maridjan Kartosoewirjo. The group recognises only Shari'a as the valid source of law. The movement has produced splinters and offshoots that range from Jemaah Islamiyah to non-violent religious groups. During the Indonesian National Revolution, Kartosoewirjo founded his own band of fighters in West Java, called Hizbullah and Sabilillah.

Career & Major Achievements

As a protest toward the Renville Agreement signed by Indonesian leaders in 1948, which ceded West Java to the Dutch, Kartosoewirjo created the Majelis Islam Pusat (Central Islamic Council) in areas around Tasikmalaya in May 1948. A Darul Islam (meaning "Islamic State") was proclaimed in West Java on 7 August 1949. Darul Islam did not disband itself after the transfer of sovereignty in 1949, resulting in a clash with the government of the Indonesian Republic. Rebels in South Sulawesi led by army deserter Abdul Kahar Muzakkar joined the Darul Islam Movement in 1951. On 20 September 1953, Daud Beureu'eh declared that Aceh was part of the "Islamic State of Indonesia" (Negara Islam Indonesia) under the leadership of Kartosoewirjo.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The movement flourished in the 1950s due to chronic instability within the central government during the Liberal Democracy Era. In 1957, it was estimated that the Darul Islam controlled one-third of West Java and more than 90% of South Sulawesi and Aceh provinces where the government only controlled the cities and towns. The movement had 15,000 armed guerillas operating under the banner of Tentara Islam Indonesia (Indonesian Islamic Army). In that year, Darul Islam agents unsuccessfully attempted to assassinate Sukarno by throwing grenades at him during a school function in Cikini, Central Jakarta. بسم الله الرحمن الرحيمDengan nama Allah Yang Maha Murah dan Yang Maha Asih أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ Kami, ummat Islam Bangsa Indonesia MENJATAKAN: Berdirinja ”NEGARA ISLAM INDONESIA” Maka hukum jang berlaku atas Negara Islam Indonesia itu, ialah: HUKUM ISLAM Allahu Akbar!

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1942: 1942 Milestone — It was established in 1942 by a group of Muslim militias, coordinated by the Muslim politician, Sekarmadji Maridjan Kartosoewirjo.
2. 1948: 1948 Milestone — As a protest toward the Renville Agreement signed by Indonesian leaders in 1948, which ceded West Java to the Dutch, Kartosoewirjo created the Majelis Islam Pusat (Central Islamic Council) in areas around Tasikmalaya in May 1948.
3. 1949: 1949 Milestone — A Darul Islam (meaning "Islamic State") was proclaimed in West Java on 7 August 1949.
4. 1951: 1951 Milestone — Rebels in South Sulawesi led by army deserter Abdul Kahar Muzakkar joined the Darul Islam Movement in 1951.
5. 1953: 1953 Milestone — On 20 September 1953, Daud Beureu'eh declared that Aceh was part of the "Islamic State of Indonesia" (Negara Islam Indonesia) under the leadership of Kartosoewirjo.
6. 1957: 1957 Milestone — In 1957, it was estimated that the Darul Islam controlled one-third of West Java and more than 90% of South Sulawesi and Aceh provinces where the government only controlled the cities and towns.

Notable Quotes by Darul Islam (Indonesia)

“HEREBY DECLARE: The establishment of the "ISLAMIC STATE OF INDONESIA"” (1949)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Darul Islam (Indonesia)

True or False: “The Darul Islam movement was immediately dissolved after Indonesia achieved full sovereignty in 1949.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Darul Islam did not disband itself after the transfer of sovereignty in 1949, leading to ongoing clashes with the Indonesian Republic government.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdulsalami Abubakar — Historical peer (Born in 1942) (1942): Retired Nigerian Army General who oversaw the transition to democracy in 1999.
• Alexander Belyaev — Historical peer (Died in 1942) (1942): Pioneering Soviet science fiction writer, known as 'Russia's Jules Verne'
• A. Wyatt Tilby — Historical peer (Died in 1948) (1948): British author, journalist, and traveler known for his writings on history and philosophy.
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Historical peer (Died in 1948) (1948): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• Alan García — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Controversial Peruvian politician who served two non-consecutive terms as President of Peru.
• Abanindranath Tagore — Historical peer (Died in 1951) (1951): Pioneering figure of the Bengal School, modernizing Indian art against Western influence.
• Abdullah I of Jordan — Historical peer (Died in 1951) (1951): Ruler of Jordan who transitioned from British protectorate to independent Hashemite King.
• Ahmad Shah Massoud — Historical peer (Born in 1953) (1953): Afghan military leader, known as the "Lion of Panjshir", fought against foreign occupations.
• Alan Moore — Historical peer (Born in 1953) (1953): Pioneering British comic book writer celebrated for deconstructing genre tropes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Darul Islam (Indonesia)