It has been some time since Geertz conducted his monumental research in Java. Changes have since taken place as indicated by more recent studies and by my own observation. New studies are therefore worth conducting to delineate religious influence on Javanese life and its ability to govern social relations. The same holds true of the role of the ‘ulama or kiai, as informal Muslim religious leaders. Changes in Muslim life will impinge on kiai leadership in general and their relationship with society.

My study describes the general pattern of kiai leadership. It delineates the limitations of the kiai's influence on society. Although, in general, the kiai's position remains unchallenged, their influence in politics shows a change. The influence of kiai in politics is confined to those having strong emotional attachments with their followers. The finding of this study may not only illuminate the difference between the ‘ulama leadership in Indonesia and other Islamic countries but should also shed light on the extent to which Muslims use Islam to guide their worldly lives.