Developing A Conceptual Framework of Constitutive Moderation: Evidence from the Rejection of Ustad Abdul Somad in Singapore

Abstrak

There is a lack of studies exploring the rejection of Indonesian local spirituals in Southeast Asia countries. This article investigates closing this gap. It examines the rejection of Ustad Abdul Somad, the most popular Indonesian local spiritual denied in Singapore on May 16, 2022. This article aims to develop the concept of constitutive localization through the new idea of  moderation. This article used the case study research method with 5 elements, design, preparation, collecting evidence, analysis, and report. The case study reports the rejection of Ustad Abdul Somad because of Singapore's national interest in constructing a multiracial and multi-religious society. Unfortunately, there is a paradoxical rule in the Singapore Religious Harmony Act 1990 which states that the principle adopted is moderation and separation between religion and politics. This is counterproductive and double standards because Ustad Abdul Somad's refusal is a political process through a decision-making process. Therefore, this article recommends constitutive moderation as an idea and norm in Singapore and beyond (ASEAN).