Articles

Abdurrahman Wahid – Fourth President of Indonesia: Islam and democracy are compatible

Vostok/Oriens '2017, №4

DOI: 10.7868/S0869190817040094

 
Abdurrahman Wahid, the fourth President of the Republic of Indonesia, hereditary prominent figure of the Indonesian Moslem movement, is known as a consistent advocate of the religious tolerance, pluralism, and democratic principles in the multiethnic and multiconfessional country. As the head of state (1999–2001) his democratic initiatives were resisted by the conservative Moslem and army elements, generals losing the domination the army enjoyed in the previous period. By the political intrigues Wahid was impeached in 2001. Nowadays, when the Indonesian society is facing growing Moslem radicalism and intolerance, Wahid’s heritage is much demanded that is recognized even by the ruling elite.

Keywords: religion, Islam, reforms, democracy, pluralism, political elite, radicalism, army

Pages: С. 85–97