Indonesia Rejects Radical Islam

As the western world worries about the rising tide of Islamic extremism, it can take comfort that the nation with the largest Muslim population is not held under its sway. Indonesian voters have resoundingly rejected radical Islamic parties in recent elections, as experts say that average citizens have become much less confident that righteous religious figures are any less prone to corruption. Radical Islam gained ground in the Indonesian government during the end of the dictatorship in 1998, as it advocated anti-corruption measures and "clean government." But in a more broad sense, the radicals' fervor has alienated many Indonesians, who practice a moderate version of Islam. Several fanatical parties went so far as to push for a ban on "everything from displays of partial nudity to yoga" and traditional dances, turning off many voters.