Southeast Asia as the Epicenter of the Rise of the World's Islamic Civilization

Abstract

Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia and Malaysia, has the strategic potential to play an important role in the rise of global Islamic civilization. This study discusses how Southeast Asia, with its distinctive socio-religious characteristics, can be interpreted as a new growth center of moderate, inclusive, and contextual Islamic civilization. With the largest Muslim population in the world, the region is not only the epicenter of Islamic demographics, but also offers a model of religiosity that is adaptive to the local culture. Islam in Southeast Asia has undergone a process of acculturation that is harmonious with local traditions, making it a peaceful and relevant form of Islamic expression in the context of the times. This research aims to examine the potential of Southeast Asia as the epicenter of the rise of world Islamic civilization by highlighting the demographic strength, values of moderation, and the relevance of cultural Islamic approaches in responding to contemporary global challenges. This research uses a library research method with a normative-conceptual approach, which relies on a critical analysis of literature, intellectual discourse, and socio-religious dynamics in the Southeast Asian region. The results of this study show that Southeast Asia has a strong foundation to build a future Islamic civilization model that is inclusive, transformative, and globally insightful.