The Translocality of Salafism: From Saudi Arabia to Riau, Indonesia

This article examines how translocality shapes the reproduction of Salafism from Saudi Arabia to Riau, Indonesia, situating the case within broader debates on the export of Islamic ideology and the localization of religious authority. The study argues that although Saudi Arabia has played a crucial role in accelerating the dissemination of Salafism, the religious field in Riau is neither a passive recipient nor a linear extension of the Saudi “center.” Employing a qualitative design, the research integrates literature review, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews with scholars, activists, and leaders of religious organizations, while applying thematic coding and cross-source triangulation techniques. The findings demonstrate that Saudi Arabia is neither the sole nor the ultimate authoritative actor in the spread of Salafism, even though its influence has been instrumental in accelerating Salafism’s global diffusion. Locality emerges as a decisive factor in shaping the expansion of Salafism, involving local actors, community characteristics, and political-economic contexts. In Riau, Salafism manifests as a distinct local formation that remains embedded in global networks, produced through processes of negotiation, adaptation, and selective resistance. The study concludes that translocality offers a more precise analytical framework for understanding the diversification of contemporary Salafism.

کلیدواژه ها:

Translocality of Salafism ، Saudi Arabia ، Indonesia ، Global Salafism