Mosques in Bau-Bau Emerge as Centers of Civic Participation and Muslim Leadership
Mosques in Bau-Bau City, Southeast Sulawesi, are undergoing a major transformation, expanding far beyond their traditional role as places of ritual worship. A 2026 study by Junaid Gazalin and colleagues from Universitas Muhammadiyah Kota Bau-Bau shows that mosques in the city now function as hubs for social participation, civic education, and the formation of Muslim leadership. Published in the Indonesian Journal of Contemporary Multidisciplinary Research (MODERN), the research highlights why mosques have become increasingly relevant to community development and local democracy.
The research was conducted by Junaid Gazalin, La Ode Ardin Talawa, Arif Rahman, Wa Ode Rezky Nurfadillah, Zulfikar, and Fitri Ramadhani, all affiliated with Universitas Muhammadiyah Kota Bau-Bau. Their findings matter because they demonstrate how religious institutions can strengthen social cohesion and democratic values without crossing into partisan politics, an issue that remains sensitive in Indonesia’s diverse and decentralized political landscape.
Why Mosque Transformation Matters Today
In early Islamic history, mosques served as centers of worship, education, consultation, and governance. Over time, especially in modern urban societies, many mosques became focused almost exclusively on ritual activities. At the same time, Indonesia’s post-reformasi era has increased demands for public participation, ethical leadership, and grassroots civic engagement.
Bau-Bau City offers a compelling local context. With a predominantly Muslim population and vibrant religious life, mosques are deeply embedded in everyday social interactions. The question explored by the researchers is not whether mosques influence society, but how they do so in ways that remain ethical, inclusive, and supportive of democracy.
How the Research Was Conducted
The research used a qualitative case study approach. The team examined several active mosques across Bau-Bau City that regularly host social, educational, and community programs. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with mosque administrators, religious leaders, active congregants, youth participants, and community figures.
The researchers also observed mosque activities directly and reviewed internal documents such as program records and organizational archives. This approach allowed them to capture how mosque functions are practiced on the ground, how decisions are made, and how congregants perceive the expanding role of mosques in their lives.
Key Findings: Mosques as Social and Civic Institutions
The study found clear evidence that mosques in Bau-Bau have evolved into inclusive socio-religious institutions. While daily prayers and ritual worship remain central, mosques now host a wide range of activities that address real community needs.
Key developments identified in the research include:
- Social education programs, such as thematic religious discussions, youth study circles, and public lectures on ethics and citizenship.
- Community forums, where residents discuss social issues, local challenges, and collective solutions.
- Social welfare initiatives, including the management of zakat, infaq, and sadaqah to support vulnerable groups.
- Leadership training spaces, particularly for young Muslims involved in mosque committees and volunteer activities.
According to the authors, mosques function as arenas of informal civic education. They introduce values of justice, responsibility, and leadership without directing congregants toward specific political parties or candidates.
Governance Shapes Mosque Impact
One of the strongest conclusions of the study is that effective mosque governance determines whether transformation succeeds. Mosques with organized management structures, transparent decision-making, and participatory leadership tend to be more active and influential in social life.
Mosque administrators in Bau-Bau increasingly act as community facilitators rather than purely ritual caretakers. Programs are planned systematically, resources are managed professionally, and congregants are encouraged to take part in discussions and decision-making.
As Junaid Gazalin of Universitas Muhammadiyah Kota Bau-Bau explains in the study, mosques that are “managed ethically and professionally can strengthen civic awareness while preserving religious unity.” This balance helps mosques remain trusted spaces for diverse segments of the Muslim community.
Building Muslim Leadership Without Partisan Politics
The research highlights the role of mosques in shaping future Muslim leaders at the local level. Youth involvement is especially important. By participating in mosque activities, young people gain experience in organizing events, communicating across generations, and solving community problems collectively.
These experiences form leadership skills rooted in moral values rather than political ambition. The authors describe mosques as “social laboratories” where leadership emerges gradually through service and responsibility.
However, the study also notes ongoing challenges. Limited funding, inadequate facilities, and uneven management capacity still constrain many mosques. Collaboration with universities, civil society organizations, and local governments is seen as essential to strengthen mosque-based leadership programs.
The Importance of Mosque Neutrality
A critical theme of the research is mosque neutrality. The authors stress that mosques must remain free from electoral campaigns and partisan endorsements. When mosques are drawn into practical politics, they risk losing moral authority and dividing congregations.
Maintaining neutrality allows mosques to serve as safe public spaces where Muslims with different political views can gather without conflict. This neutrality also protects democratic processes by preventing the misuse of religious authority for political mobilization.
The study concludes that mosques contribute most effectively to democracy not through direct political action, but through value-based education, social empowerment, and ethical leadership development.
Broader Implications for Society and Policy
The findings from Bau-Bau City carry broader implications for Indonesia and other Muslim-majority societies. They show that religious institutions can play constructive roles in civic life when supported by strong governance and clear ethical boundaries.
For policymakers, the research underscores the importance of supporting mosque management capacity without politicizing religious spaces. For educators and community organizations, mosques offer strategic partners for character education and leadership development. For society at large, the transformation of mosques demonstrates how faith-based institutions can adapt to modern social challenges while preserving their core spiritual identity.
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