Book exploring Prabowo’s religious values resurfaces online as its title divides public opinion.
A 2025 book examining President Prabowo Subianto through the lens of Islamic values has drawn renewed online attention, with discussion focusing on its title and portrayal of the president’s religious outlook and leadership.
Book Examines Prabowo’s Religious Outlook
Titled “Islam ala Prabowo: Cara Prabowo Subianto Mengamalkan Ajaran Islam,” the roughly 346-page book was written by Abdur Rahim Hasan, Rikal Dikri and Mush’ab Muqoddas. First printed in April 2025, it examines how its authors and contributors interpret Islamic values in Prabowo’s private life, military career and political leadership, including themes of peace, justice, spirituality and public welfare. The book has recently gained renewed attention online, more than a year after its initial publication.
MUI and Baznas Leaders Joined Launch
The book was formally launched during the Baznas National Coordination Meeting in Jakarta on August 26, 2025, with MUI chairman KH Anwar Iskandar and Baznas chairman Noor Achmad involved in the event. MPR chairman Ahmad Muzani, who helped initiate the project alongside MUI chairman Anwar Iskandar, also contributed a prologue discussing Prabowo’s leadership. The book also includes perspectives attributed to religious, academic and public figures.
Supporters Highlight Leadership Values
Supporters argue that the book offers another perspective on Prabowo by examining the moral and religious values they believe influence his political decisions. The publication does not primarily present him as a religious scholar, but instead discusses what contributors describe as the practical application of Islamic principles through leadership, nationalism and policies aimed at improving public welfare. The publisher’s description similarly frames the book as an interpretation of the moral influence of Islam on Prabowo’s political behavior.
Title Triggers Criticism Online
Some of the recent criticism has focused on the phrase “Islam ala Prabowo.” Critics and commentators have questioned whether linking Islam so directly to an individual political leader is appropriate, with some arguing that the title risks being read as a personalized version of the religion. Other commentators have criticized the publication as potentially glorifying Prabowo or blurring the line between religious authority and political image-building. Supportive interpretations describe the title as referring to how the authors believe Islamic values are reflected in Prabowo’s life and leadership, rather than to a distinct version of Islam.
Debate Shifts Focus Beyond the Book
The renewed discussion has focused on the relationship between religious language, political leadership and the portrayal of a sitting president. Although the book was published in 2025, its renewed circulation and commentary in September 2026 have prompted fresh discussion about its title, contributors and portrayal of Prabowo’s religious identity. The renewed attention has also raised questions about how contributors are represented in publications involving prominent political figures.
The debate surrounding Islam ala Prabowo reflects Indonesia’s complex relationship between religion, leadership and political communication. For Indonesians, the discussion raises questions about how religious values should be represented in narratives about public officials. For Singaporeans and other regional observers, it also offers insight into how religion continues to shape political discourse in Southeast Asia’s largest Muslim-majority country.
Sources: Batampos (2026) , Pos Metro Batam (2026)
Keywords: Islam Ala Prabowo Book, Prabowo Subianto Religion, Prabowo Leadership, Indonesia Political Debate, MUI Prabowo Book, Indonesian Political Books
