ABSTRACT
This paper will deal with the question of how the well-known scholar of
Arab descent, Sayyid ‘Uthmaˆn ibn ‘Abd Allaˆh ibn ‘Aqıˆl ibn Yahyaˆ al-’Alawıˆ of Batavia (1822-1914) justified the rule of the colonial administra-
tion in the Netherlands East Indies. Among his many writings,1 I have
found a number that demonstrate his approval of the infidel Dutch rule.
For the present book I have chosen to concentrate on his writings dealing
with Sarekat Islam, the first Indonesian mass organisation, which was
founded at the end of Sayyid ‘Uthmaˆn’s life. In these writings, he gives his
opinion of this organisation and sets out how it should behave towards the
Government. Before I discuss these writings, it would be useful to present some relevant background information about Dutch policies towards Islam
at this particular period, about the life of Sayyid ‘Uthmaˆn, and about the
rise of Sarekat Islam.
