This article focuses on understanding how Muslim-majority countries adapt to the discourse of moderate Islam to their political circumstances. Using Indonesia s experience as a case study, the article argues that countries political configurations influence decisions to apply the discourse in domestic politics. In the Indonesian context, political leaders unwillingness and inability to confront the Islamists are crucial factors that limited the influence of moderation discourse in former Presidents Megawati s and Yudhoyono s reigns. During that period, the presidents used the discourse mainly to signal to the international community that Indonesia did not align itself with the transnational network of terrorism. In contrast with his predecessors, President Widodo is willing to use the discourse to undermine the influence of the Islamists, thereby neutralising their challenges and cementing his political power. Moreover, this article demonstrates that the content of the discourse of moderation is indeterminate. Although the concept is usually associated with positive democratic attitudes, Widodo s emphasis on support for national unity in his definition of moderation shows that political actors can appropriate the concept and adjust it to their particular political needs. © 2023, Al-Jami''ah. All Rights Reserved.