The religious ulama of Islam have a long history of devotion to village social

life as counsel necessary for the community's survival. Within Islamic society,
the ulama are frequently described as both a class and an institution. They
are a class in the sense that they have unique status among the faithful as
men educated in Islamic sciences who may serve the community. Yet, because
Islam does not have a priesthood, the role of ulama within society is mainly
based on popular acknowledgment of their capacity to deliver and understand
scripture.

The ulama have frequently found themselves subject to contradictory pressure

from the umma and the state given their role as upholders of Islamic
knowledge and ritual practice. Some ulama have chosen to become active in
political or government services, while others opted community-based
activities such as preaching, addressing study groups to name a few.

It is expected of ulama to serve the community of the believers. They have a

role as religious scholars to educate young Muslims and provide advise on
Islamic law issues. Currently, the parliament is seeking ulama assistance in
providing Islamic legitimacy to policies and decisions.

Their roles as respected professors garnered them a reputation for

independent reasoning and elevated them to the ranks of the local rural elite.
This is to ensure that the higher echelons of society do not misuse their power
or act arbitrarily.

Yet, religious figures, such as ulama, no longer exercise the same kind of
direct political power that they formerly did in this quickly changing society.
For one reason, economic modernity has tended to diminish ulama's financial
independence, making them increasingly reliant on governmental
disbursements. Yet, these leaders continue to wield significant authority at
the local level.

As a result, it is only proper that their presence as sectoral representatives in

parliament as part of increasingly important religious and political engagement
be given great attention in order to retain high respect for them and not
tarnish their reputation in the community. To reduce the practice of unethical
political practices such as vote-buying, a sectoral seat shall be secured for the
Ulama in order to maintain high moral standards and moral ascendancy.

By securing a sectoral seat, the appointment of an ulama is a fitting

recognition of the importance of traditional Islam within the affairs of the
state.

Office of MP Baileng Mantawil

By: Atty. BPGD