Modern Islam in Southeast Asia : Mindanao

Abstract

This research is entitled History of Modern Islam in Southeast Asia: Mindanao. The limitations of the discussion in this study are: 1) History of the Arrival of Islam in the Philippines, 2) Spanish Colonial Period, 3) United States Imperialism Period, 4) Transitional Period, 5) Post-Independence Period until now. It aims to find answers to the following questions: (1) What are the reasons behind their armed struggle and the search for secession? (2) What actions have been taken and are still being taken by the Philippine government to solve the problem of Muslim rebellion? This research was conducted using a literature study approach, with the aim of tracing the history of Islam in Mindanao. The results show that: The research shows that the causes of the Muslim problem are rooted in the Philippines' colonial past while the direct and current causes are traced to government neglect and abuse, corrupt local/traditional Muslim leaders, agrarian discontent and land disputes and, the rise of the Islamic religion in the whole world. The study revealed that the Philippine government was sincere in finding a solution to the problem as they had
started peace negotiations with the insurgents. Any peace negotiations or talks that the government participates in are always within the terms of the Tripoli Agreement and within the constitutional boundaries of the Philippines.