ABSTRACT: The presence of the Arabs in the land of Nusantara (Indonesian archipelago) has been a debatable fact up until today. However, experts suggest that they have played a particular important role ever since the early time they came to Nusantara. In the context of Indonesian modern history, the Arabian society is also a pillar of Indonesian citizens to support Indonesian independence. They took a part of independence the nation at large. One of the instruments is educational institution. Therefore, it is a need to discover the development and expansion in Arabian community on education activities. This article explores the historical period of Arabian society in Palu, Central Sulawesi. In-depth interview and non-participant observation were employed to collect data. Three months data collection was conducted, another three months was extended to ensure data collection through triangulation activities. Madrasah Alkhairat was launched from Arabian family on the first era of growth. This research finding shows that there are many social factors force the people to take a progress step in developing spiritual awareness. The colonial situation was instrumental factor. Furthermore, Islamic education became a catalyst. It answered various problems in the society. Indeed, there is an effort to expand the institution from exclusive establishment to organization at large participation from the surrounding society. Finally, the article concludes that education was defined to extend society contribution. This case arises from Arabian people, the further development deliver the Madrasa Alkhairat to meaningful processes beyond ethnic and race.

KEY WORDS: Arabian society, spiritual awareness, education institution, colonial situation, beyond ethnic and race, and support to Indonesian independence.

About the Author: Ismail Suardi Wekke, Ph.D. is a Junior Lecturer at the STAIN (Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Negeri or State Islamic College) Sorong, Jalan Klamono-Sorong Km.17, Klablim, Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia. He can be contacted via his email at: iswekke@gmail.com

How to cite this article? Wekke, Ismail Suardi. (2015). “Arabian Society in Kaili Lands, Central Sulawesi: Arabic Education and its Movement” in TAWARIKH: International Journal for Historical Studies, Vol.7(1) October, pp.63-74. Bandung, Indonesia: Minda Masagi Press, ISSN 2085-0980.

Chronicle of the article: Accepted (April 18, 2015); Revised (July 28, 2015); and Published (October 28, 2015).

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