Response paper to Modern Indonesia: Tradition and Transformation ( Theories of Religion and Society )

Ratu Adil (Just King) is one of the genuine examples for charismatic authority. Weber defines charisma as supernatural and supernatural power which comes from the God. This charisma is divine, superpower and directly coming from God. This definition impacts the main role of Ratu Adil as a superhuman leader who can solve anything problem. Rather than theological perception, the concept of charisma in Ratu Adil is more sociological.

Based on the history of Indonesia, Ratu Adil’s concept tends to be opposition for tyrant or oppressor. Many people associate Ratu Adil as a rebellion for domination, hegemony or oppression. It seems to be more theological where this concept always relate to the interpretation of religion, especially Abrahamic religion. But, in the fact that many people is confused to continue their understanding about their religion’s teaching.

This confusion has already appear when they have to define or determine who is the real Ratu Adil. Many people are stubborn to claim that their leader is the true Ratu Adil. Many blame the other belief about it, and the most horrible is they can kill each other. For instance, Pangeran Diponegoro is the famous leader in Java who is determined as Ratu Adil. But, when Diponegoro has caught, many other people claimed themselves as Ratu Adil too. This example gives us the strong evidence that the concept of Ratu Adil is more sociological than theological.