Striving to Be the Majority: True Stories and Experiences of Chinese Muslims in Polewali Mandar

Abstract

<p>Chinese Muslims in Indonesia are still seen as a "marginal" part of the Muslim community. They have basically embraced Islam but sometimes people see them as something other than them. That is, changes in the religious status of the Chinese Muslim community have not affected their social status as a whole. They still face social challenges due to their previous ethnic background. In addition, Chinese Muslims also have to face strict cultural challenges from Chinese in general. They must be able to conform to those traditions before they convert. Chinese Muslims in Polewali Mandar encountered the same challenge but they were able to find a solution to the challenge. For this reason, this article uses qualitative research methods with an Oral History approach. The data was obtained by conducting interviews with Chinese Muslims in Polewali Mandar. The data is in the form of their stories, processes, and experiences as converts. Starting from their stories of converting to Islam, while observing Islamic law, their interaction with the Polewali Mandar community and interaction between their fellow people. This article found that the Muslim Chinese in Polewali Mandar had been accepted by the community. The social conditions they face can be lived well. However, the Chinese stigma is quite difficult to escape from them. They still sometimes get marginalization but the level is quite different from other Chinese. They struggle with the Islamic Faith, that they are part of the majority in Polewali Mandar. Culturally, they can adapt well without having to abandon their old traditions.</p>