The Political Science Study Program, Faculty of Ushuluddin, Philosophy, and Politics (FUFP) at UIN Alauddin Makassar, held a national webinar reviewing the strategic position of habibs in the vortex of Indonesian politics. The virtual discussion, held on Thursday (04/12/2020), featured several competent speakers, including PDI Perjuangan politician Prof. Dr. Hamka Haq, the Dean of FISIP at Wahid Hasyim University, and the Head of the Makassar Religious Research and Development Center, Dr. Syaprillah Syahrir.
Head of the Political Science Department at UIN Alauddin, Syahrir Karim, Ph.D., revealed that this study was motivated by intense public focus on the involvement of habib figures in recent national political movements. The phenomenon is considered interesting because it brings together religious and political dimensions within a complex discourse space.
In his presentation, Syahrir noted that the existence of habibs in practical politics began to stand out during the presidential election, which later transformed into socio-political action driven by figures such as Rizieq Shihab and Bahar bin Smith. Although he emphasized that not all habaib are involved in this current, the involvement of a few figures has created a new political reality worthy of academic study.
Furthermore, Syahrir highlighted an image paradox attached to habib figures in the eyes of the public. On one hand, habaib are seen as charismatic, religious figures and protectors of the ummah. On the other hand, a contrasting public perception has emerged where several habib figures are viewed as confronting the government, acting provocatively, and showing ethics less aligned with their standing as religious leaders.
