Abstract
Zheng He’s presence in the Indonesian archipelago offers an important lens for reconsidering the formation of Muslim communities in Nusantara. Historical evidence from Java demonstrates that Chinese Muslim networks were deeply embedded in maritime trade, diplomacy, and religious life prior to European expansion. Their influence contributed to the development of local Islamic practices and expanded the cultural horizons of early Muslim societies in the region. Reassessment of long-standing theories of Islamization reveals that Sino-Indo Muslim interactions provide a substantial foundation for acknowledging a “Chinese theory” alongside Arab, Indian, and Persian perspectives. The legacy of Zheng He and related communities highlights the plural genealogies that constitute Indonesian Islam.
