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Abstract

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 seeks to diversify its oil-dependent economy, but scepticism persists due to past reform failures, particularly in fiscal policy and labour markets. Ulama, as key figures in the Saudi "social contract," play a vital role in legitimising government policies, especially on social and religious matters. However, reforms promoting private sector growth and social liberalisation have raised concerns among conservative ulama over potential threats to Islamic values. To address this, the government under Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) employs a strategy of separating economic and religious narratives while using a "carrot and stick" approach to manage ulama opposition. This approach aligns with realism theory, emphasising economic power for national stability, and Weber's legitimacy theory, highlighting the critical role of ulama support. Without the support of religious elites (ulama), societal resistance could undermine Vision 2030's reforms.

Bahasa Abstract

Visi 2030 Arab Saudi berupaya mendiversifikasi ekonominya yang bergantung pada minyak, tetapi skeptisisme tetap ada karena kegagalan reformasi masa lalu, terutama dalam kebijakan fiskal dan pasar tenaga kerja. Ulama, sebagai tokoh kunci dalam "kontrak sosial" Saudi, memainkan peran penting dalam melegitimasi kebijakan pemerintah, terutama pada masalah sosial dan agama. Namun, reformasi yang mendorong pertumbuhan sektor swasta dan liberalisasi sosial telah menimbulkan kekhawatiran di antara para ulama konservatif atas potensi ancaman terhadap nilai-nilai Islam. Untuk mengatasi hal ini, pemerintah di bawah kepemimpinan Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) menggunakan strategi memisahkan narasi ekonomi dan agama sambil menggunakan pendekatan "wortel dan tongkat" untuk mengelola oposisi klerikal. Pendekatan ini sejalan dengan teori realisme, yang menekankan kekuatan ekonomi untuk stabilitas nasional, dan teori legitimasi Weber, menyoroti peran penting dukungan ulama. Tanpa dukungan ulama sebagai otoritas keagamaan, perlawanan masyarakat dapat merusak reformasi Visi 2030.

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