Pangeran Diponegoro's Thought on Jihad: Religious Leadership and the Java War

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to analyze the role of Pangeran Diponegoro as an Islamic scholar (ulama) and warrior during the Java War (1825–1830) by examining the spirit of jihad that served as the ideological and religious foundation of his resistance against Dutch colonialism. Theoretical framework: The research employs the theories of Islamic leadership, religious social movements, and the Islamic concept of jihad, emphasizing the pursuit of justice, the defense of religion, and resistance against oppression. Literature review: Previous studies have predominantly portrayed Pangeran Diponegoro as a national hero, military commander, or anti-colonial leader. However, limited scholarship has comprehensively integrated his identity as an ulama, spiritual leader, and freedom fighter within the framework of jihad. This study addresses that scholarly gap by exploring the interrelationship between Islamic values and anti-colonial resistance. Method: This research adopts a qualitative design using a historical approach and library research. Data were collected from primary and secondary historical sources, including manuscripts, biographies, academic journals, historical records, and other relevant documents concerning Diponegoro's life and struggle. Results: The findings reveal that the spirit of jihad in Pangeran Diponegoro's movement extended beyond armed resistance, representing a moral and religious obligation to uphold justice, preserve the dignity of Muslims, and protect Islamic values from colonial domination. His leadership successfully united ulama, students, aristocrats, and ordinary people into a cohesive resistance movement characterized by intertwined religious and nationalist dimensions. Implications: The study highlights the relevance of Diponegoro's struggle as a model of value-based leadership, demonstrating the integration of religiosity and nationalism while underscoring the constructive role of religion in fostering social awareness and resistance to injustice. Novelty: The originality of this research lies in positioning the spirit of jihad as the principal analytical perspective for understanding Pangeran Diponegoro, thereby offering a more comprehensive interpretation of the relationship between Islamic scholarship, spiritual leadership, and anti-colonial resistance within Indonesian history.