Saifuddin Zuhri

Saifuddin Zuhri, a lecturer specializing in Indonesian Islam, discusses his book on the Wali Pitu pilgrimage tradition in Bali, examining its emergence as a sacred practice. He highlights the fusion of Javanese and Balinese Islamic cultures, and how religious tourism impacts local economies. Zuhri also addresses the complexities of saint veneration in a predominantly Hindu society and the evolving identities of Muslim communities. Additionally, he explores tensions over authenticity and the intertwining of spirituality with economic opportunities in contemporary Indonesia.