Social Representation of Coastal Javanese Islam: Portrait of Pekalongan Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to understand in-depth the representation of Coastal Javanese Islam in Pekalongan with
cultural approach. This approach puts Pekalongan people onto its social world center, in order to
understand how they identify and interpret the world, particularly the articulation of economic activity
protected by culture and mediated by Islam tenet. The research method used was qualitative one. Data was
obtained through observation and in-depth interview, and analyzed descriptively, by focusing on social
practice of batik business performer as the basic vehicle, meaning competition place, and contributing to
Islam. The result of research shows that the role of Islam in Pekalongan social life is very strong and
dominant represented in dialectical Islam with the manifestation of symbolic spiritualism. Therefore, Islam
functions not merely as an effective means of solving life problem, including batik business, confirming
Geertz’s argument that religion serves not merely as ethical foundation, but moral vitality source. Culture is
an important power in social life. This finding declines Weber’s thesis that Islam does not have theological
affinity supporting economic growth, because empirical fact in Pekalongan Indonesia shows that Islam
spirituality becomes an effective means of solving business problem.