Patriotism of Ulama in the Coastal Areas of Java: Philosophy and Political Doctrines of K.H. Muchlas Tegal (1886-1964)

The concept of patriotism, as a form of nationalist sentiment, has experienced a gradual expansion from its origins and historical development. Patriotism stems from loyalty to the family developing into a defense commitment to the tribe, city-state, and later the nation-state. Based on its expression and the way in which it is conveyed, there are various forms and types of patriotism. The debate arises among scholars when discussing the effects and consequences of patriotism which can be constructive or destructive. Patriotism can change its face into jingoism or chauvinism. In European history after the French Revolution, patriotism even took its form in the racial fervor that triggered the catastrophic Great War (World War I). In Indonesia, the ulema played an important role in the struggle for independence by applying the Islamic theological doctrine of jihad fii sabilillah (fighting in the path of Allah). From a study of the political biography of K.H. Muchlas Tegal, leader of Pesantren Panggung, it is found that, in addition to the doctrine of jihad against nonbeliever invaders, the ulema also used religious-political philosophy and doctrine that gave birth to a distinctive expression of patriotism, namely the "guided patriotism", a concept of patriotism determined by the ideology of its political opponents, especially when opposing PKI (Indonesian Communist Party) and DI/TII (Darul Islam Rebellion).