Subnational Autonomy and Political Islam: A Comparative Analysis of Aceh, Bangsamoro, and Patani
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15408/jii.v15i1.47002Keywords:
Sub-National Autonomy, Political Islam, Aceh, Bangsamoro, PataniAbstract
This article examines the different dynamics between subnational autonomy and political Islam in three distinct Southeast Asian contexts from a comparative perspective. The three cases studies concern Aceh (Indonesia), Bangsamoro (the Philippines), and Patani (Thailand). Through an analysis of historical grievances, political movements, peace agreements, and legal frameworks, the study reveals that the pursuit of self-governance is deeply intertwined with Islamic identity and aspirations. The paper aims to identify commonalities in the respective conflict trajectories and the centrality of Islam herein. However, it also highlights significant differences in the extent and nature of autonomy achieved, the specific objectives of political Islam, and the outcomes of the respective peace processes. As a general target, the study would like to offer insights into the broader implications for understanding state-minority relations and conflict resolution in Southeast Asia, which is known to be a religiously diverse region.
References
Agojo, K. N. M., & Teehankee, J. C. (2023). Politics of Ideas and Discourses: Understanding the Ideational and Discursive Struggles in the Formation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Asia-Pacific Social Science Review, 23(2). https://doi.org/10.59588/2350-8329.1493
Albritton, R. B. (2010). The Muslim South in the Context of the Thai Nation. Journal of East Asian Studies, 10(1), 61–90. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1598240800003222
Aspinall, E. (2007). The Construction of Grievance: Natural Resources and Identity in a Separatist Conflict. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 51(6), 950–972. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022002707307120
Aspinall, E. (2020). Islam and Nation. In Islam and Nation. Stanford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1515/9780804776271
Barter, S. J., & Wangge, H. R. (2022). Indonesian Autonomies: Explaining Divergent Self-Government Outcomes in Aceh and Papua. Publius: The Journal of Federalism, 52(1), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1093/publius/pjab009
Buendia, R. (2005). The Secessionist Movement and the Peace Process in the Philippines and Indonesia: The Case of Mindanao and Aceh. Pacific Social Science Review, 5(1), 50–66.
Chambers, P., Jitpiromsri, S., & Waitoolkiat, N. (2020). Introduction: Conflict in the Deep South of Thailand: Never-ending Stalemate? International Studies Review, 20(1), 85–110. https://doi.org/10.1163/2667078x-02001001
Clayton, G., Mason, S. J. A., Sticher, V., & Wenger, A. (2025). Ceasefires: Stopping the Violence and Negotiating Peace. Georgetown University Press.
Deep South Watch. (2025). No Title. https://deepsouthwatch.org/th
Graf, A., Schröter, S., & Wieringa, E. (2010). Aceh: History, Politics and Culture. In Aceh: History, Politics and Culture. ISEAS.
Jitpiromsri, S., Haque, M. M., & Chambers, P. (2020). Peacebuilding in Thailand’s Deep South and in Myanmar/Burma: the dynamic roles of Muslim minorities in conflict societies. Asian Affairs(UK), 48(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/00927678.2020.1843216
Kelly, L. M., Ware, A., Barton, G., Ragandang, P. I., & Moner, Y. (2024). Local Perceptions of Violent and Hateful Extremism in The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Deakin University.
Lele, G. (2023). Asymmetric decentralization, accommodation and separatist conflict: lessons from Aceh and Papua, Indonesia. Territory, Politics, Governance, 11(5), 972–990. https://doi.org/10.1080/21622671.2021.1875036
McCargo, D. (2010). Autonomy for Southern Thailand: Thinking the unthinkable? Pacific Affairs, 83(2). https://doi.org/10.5509/2010832261
McDermott, G. B. (2021). The Beginnings of Conflict Transformation in South Thailand. Peace Review, 33(3), 393–402. https://doi.org/10.1080/10402659.2021.1953811
McKenna, T. M. (2023). Muslim Rulers and Rebels: Everyday Politics and Armed Separatism in the Southern Philippines. In Muslim Rulers and Rebels: Everyday Politics and Armed Separatism in the Southern Philippines. University of California Press. https://doi.org/10.1525/aa.2000.102.3.665
Robert, S. (2008). Struggle for Independence: Considering the Role of Islam in a Separatist Conflict. The Fletcher Online Journal on Southwest Asia and Islamic Civilization, 1–11.
Stange, G., & Patock, R. (2010). From Rebels to Rulers and Legislators: The Political Transformation of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Indonesia. Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, 29(1), 95–120. https://doi.org/10.1177/186810341002900105
Sustikarini, A. (2019). State-Led Peace Building in Aceh, Indonesia: from Transition to Normalisation. University of Canterbury.
Yusof, N., & Bagolong, S. (2023). The Administration of Moral Governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Government. JPAIR Multidisciplinary Research, 53(1), 196–235. https://doi.org/10.7719/jpair.v53i1.856
Ziegenhain, P. (2010). The Aceh Conflict During the New Order and the Following Democratization Process. In Aceh: History, Politics and Culture (pp. 120–134). https://doi.org/10.1355/9789814279130-010
Ziegenhain, P. (2024). Kriege und Konflikte: Süd-Thailand”, Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung. https://www.bpb.de/themen/kriege-konflikte/dossier-kriege-konflikte/54695/sued-thailand/
