The Media, Saints and Sayyids in Contemporary Indonesia

抄録

This article discusses the relationship between the Sayyids and the people in contemporary Indonesia, with special attention paid to the role of print media. The ulama of Sayyid descent have been extending their influence in the religious scene of Indonesia, the world’s biggest Muslim country. Today, one can observe yet another increase in the attention given to them. One of the reasons for this is the success of a new generation in da‘wa (call to Islam) activities. I would argue that one of the key elements in their attaining fame is the Indonesian Islamic magazine alKisah. In the discussion, the overview of the Sayyids in Indonesia is presented. Then, some aspects of alKisah, such as the background of its publication, character of its content, and reaction from the Sayyids are discussed. Finally, the role of the magazine as the transmitter of the Sayyids’ information to the people is located in historical context. Rather than emphasizing new aspects of Sayyids’ promotion by a print media, I attempt to draw a parallel between the activity of alKisah and that of storytellers in the propagation of saints’ legends. Finally, I suggest that the Sayyids, the magazine, and the readers act in a longstanding structure of what can be termed as a “Saints’ promotion system.”