ABSTRACT
Kiai (religious leaders) with their pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) and their organizational networks, have cautiously responded to state power by establishing multifaceted relations with the state. These relationships range from distancing themselves from the government to forming mutually beneficial relations with the state when the power of the state is too strong to oppose, or when making an alliance with the government is seen as a useful choice. This chapter is of great importance for anyone who wants to observe the relationships between Islam and politics.
