INDONESIANS AND THEIR ARAB WORLD: Guided Mobility among Labor Migrants and Mecca Pilgrims

INDONESIANS AND THEIR ARAB WORLD: Guided Mobility among Labor Migrants and Mecca Pilgrims | By Mirjam Lücking

Oktadiana, Hera

Abstract

[Extract] Last June, I visited my home country Indonesia after more than two years of not being able to travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reading Mirjam Lücking’s book, which illustrates the Indonesian Muslim community and the influence of the Arab language and culture, made me more observant on my trip. I understand that Bahasa Indonesia, our national language, is shaped by the migrants and foreign traders from several regions of the world, such as Indians, Arabs, and Dutch. Yet the book has altered my awareness of the Arab influence. I have noticed that my Muslim friends and family use a good number of Arabic words and terms. The “Arabness” of the language seems to be on the rise, and it is common to hear expressions in Arabic such as “Barakallahu fee umrik” (May Allah bless your age) for wishing someone a happy birthday, “Jazakallah khair” (May Allah reward you with goodness), and “Mashallah” (what Allah has willed has happened, when seeing something good). This phenomenon may not be as prevalent as it is in Madura, one of the research sites that is called Indonesia’s Terrace of Medina.

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Pacific Affairs

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Pacific Affairs

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1715-3379

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University of British Columbia

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