Its high-level involvement in the government was also criticized by mass Indonesia Muslim groups such as the NU and the Islamic Association of University Students (HMI) as being more concerned with political power than the advancement of Islamic objectives. ICMI's ranks were believed to be infiltrated by Islamists who sought to exercise political power through the Suharto regime and consequently it aroused considerable opposition amongst secular Indonesians and non-Indonesian Muslims.
Its significant role in government was also criticized by Indonesian Muslim groups such as the NU and HMI, who felt that it focused more on political power than advancing Islamic principles. ICMI's alleged ties to Islamist elements seeking to exploit the Suharto regime for their own gain led to widespread discontent among secular Indonesians and non-Indonesian Muslims.