The Abangan are the population of Javanese Muslims who practice a less orthodox version of Islam than the traditionalist santri. The term, Indonesian for red, was first developed by Clifford Geertz but the meaning has since shifted. Abangan are more inclined to follow a local system of beliefs called adat than pure Sharia (Islamic law). Their belief system integrates Hinduism, Buddhism and Animist traditions. However, some scholars hold that what has classically been viewed as Indonesian variance from Islam is often a part of that faith in other countries. For example, Martin van Bruinessen notes similarity between adat and historical practice among Muslims in Egypt as described by Edward Lane.

External links

• Javanese Mystical Movements
• Global and local in Indonesian Islam
• Abangan - World History Study Guide

Religion in Indonesia

Abangan