At the beginning of the 20th century, when the
modernism of Islam was strengthened in Minangkabau,
many academics viewed the Kaum Mudo movement
paradoxically. On the one hand, it was considered to be
progress-oriented by negotiating and accommodating adat,
and as such, the followers were referred to as reformers.
Conversely, the movement was seen as opposing and
eliminating against the elemental integration of local cultures
or adat and modern ideas into Islam. Hence, the supporters
were also referred to as puritans. This article employed Stella
Ting-Toomeys‟s identity negotiation theory, which refers to
ethnic or traditional and religious identities as primary.
Consequently, it was concluded that the Kaum Mudo Islamic
reform movement in Minangkabau was rooted in religious
customs and traditions and not purification. Furthermore, it
was observed in several cases, such as the contests and fights
for mutual influence by the existing social groups. It was also
seen in the ethnic backgrounds of each character at times
when attitudes, which give room for negotiations, are
required. Meanwhile, the existing madrasa reform models
negotiated between the traditional surau system and the
modern Dutch school have displayed this movement.
Finally, the existence of a synthesis of adat with Islam and
modernity in Minangkabau, which are engaged in mutual
negotiations, was also seen.

Keywords: The Kaum Mudo; negotiation; adat; Islam,
modernity.