Reexamining the story of Islam and nation states in Southeast Asia

This article explores why Islam in Indonesia could unite various diverse ethnic groups in one unitary state without significant friction? In Malaysia, Islam encouraged ethnic Malays to become the dominant element in all aspects of national and state life without being dragged into chauvinism? Why is Islam which was ethnically certain in the Philippines, a severe barrier to nationality? Three cases involve elements of Islam, ethnicity and nationalism but show different manifestations of reactions. Islam played different positions and functions as a unifier in Indonesia, a carrier of enthusiasm in Malaysia, and a barrier to nationalism in the Philippines.