Islam and Democracy in Southeast Asia through a Comparative Study of Indonesia and Malaysia

Abstract

The relationship between Islam and democracy has been a central topic of debate, particularly in Southeast Asia where Muslim-majority societies engage with diverse political systems. Indonesia and Malaysia provide valuable comparative cases, as both nations attempt to harmonize Islamic traditions with democratic governance. While Indonesia embraces pluralism under the framework of Pancasila, Malaysia constitutionally elevates Islam within a semi-democratic context, resulting in differing models of democratic practice. This study employed a comparative qualitative research design to analyze the interaction between Islam and democracy in both countries. Data were collected through document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and secondary sources such as international indexes and academic studies. Thematic and comparative analysis were used to identify patterns across governance, institutional trust, civil society participation, and the role of religion in politics. The findings reveal clear contrasts: Indonesians demonstrate stronger democratic attachment (72.4%), higher trust in elections and parliament, and more vibrant civil society participation. In contrast, Malaysians exhibit more cautious support for democracy (58.3%), lower institutional trust, and stronger demands for embedding Islam into state governance. Challenges also diverge—Indonesia struggles with corruption while Malaysia faces constraints related to ethnic-religious politics and restrictions on freedom of speech. In conclusion, the study shows that Islam does not inherently hinder democracy; rather, the democratic trajectory in each country is shaped by historical legacies, political structures, and governance practices. Indonesia represents a more consolidated pluralist democracy, while Malaysia reflects a constrained model where religion and politics are closely intertwined.