Why Only Six Religions Are Recognized in Indonesia?

Summary

The video script discusses the diverse religious history of Indonesia, highlighting how various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity were introduced by foreign influences. Despite Indonesia's rich religious diversity, only six official religions are recognized, with many local beliefs remaining marginalized. The script also touches on the challenges faced by adherents of local religions, including discrimination and lack of recognition. It emphasizes the importance of respecting religious diversity and upholding constitutional rights, while also noting recent progress with the inclusion of a '7th religion' option on identity cards.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia has a rich and diverse religious history, influenced by various global religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity.
• 😀 Local religions have existed in Indonesia for centuries but were historically marginalized or suppressed.
• 😀 The Indonesian government officially recognized only six religions for much of the country's history: Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
• 😀 During the era of President Sukarno, the six official religions were chosen because of their large number of adherents in Indonesia.
• 😀 Many Indonesians with local or indigenous beliefs were forced to choose one of the six official religions to avoid being labeled as atheists or communists.
• 😀 Discrimination against the Chinese community led to Confucianism not being officially recognized for a long time.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, recent changes have allowed a new option on identity cards for people to list 'Trust in an Almighty God,' offering some recognition for local religions.
• 😀 There are currently 187 local religions in Indonesia, though they remain small in terms of adherents and are often subject to political and social pressures.
• 😀 Indonesia is one of only eight countries worldwide that officially records religion on national identity cards, which can sometimes lead to exclusion for people not part of the six major religions.
• 😀 The Pancasila, Indonesia's national ideology, promotes tolerance and respect for all religions, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and respect for diverse beliefs.

Q & A

Why is religion considered an inherent part of Indonesian identity?

Religion is deeply intertwined with Indonesian identity due to its historical evolution and the variety of belief systems that have been introduced over the centuries. From Hinduism and Buddhism brought by Indians to Islam, Christianity, and Confucianism introduced by foreign traders, these religions have shaped the cultural and spiritual landscape of Indonesia.

What were the factors behind the establishment of six official religions in Indonesia?

The six official religions in Indonesia were officially recognized during the Bung Karno era. This decision was based on the fact that these six religions had the largest number of adherents in the country. The six religions were chosen to reflect the predominant beliefs, while other belief systems were marginalized.

How many local religions are there in Indonesia today, and why are they not officially recognized?

There are 187 local religions in Indonesia today. These religions are often smaller in scale and have fewer adherents compared to the six official religions. Political and social pressures have suppressed these belief systems, and they have not been officially recognized, despite their existence for centuries.

What challenges do adherents of local religions face in Indonesia?

Adherents of local religions in Indonesia often face discrimination and challenges in accessing state documents, education, and religious practices. For example, they may have difficulty obtaining identity cards or enrolling their children in religious studies classes, as these local religions are not formally recognized within the national education system.

How were people with unrecognized beliefs treated in Indonesia's past?

In the past, people with unrecognized beliefs were forced to choose one of the six official religions. If they did not choose, they were often labeled as atheists or communists, which resulted in social exclusion and difficulty in finding employment or integrating into society.

What positive changes have occurred for adherents of local religions in Indonesia in recent years?

In recent years, the government has made some progress by allowing the inclusion of a seventh option, 'Religion: Trust in An Almighty God,' on identity cards. This offers a glimmer of hope for adherents of local religions, although full recognition and equal treatment are still works in progress.

What historical challenges did the Chinese community face regarding religion in Indonesia?

The Chinese community in Indonesia faced significant discrimination, particularly with regard to their religious beliefs, such as Confucianism. At certain points in history, Confucianism was not officially recognized, and Chinese people were subject to exclusion and marginalization.

Why does Indonesia still include religion on its citizens' identity cards?

Religion is included on identity cards in Indonesia because it plays an important role in the country's social and cultural fabric. However, Indonesia is one of only eight countries in the world that records religious affiliation on identity cards, reflecting the unique place religion holds in Indonesian identity.

What role does Pancasila play in fostering religious tolerance in Indonesia?

Pancasila, the state ideology of Indonesia, promotes unity and religious tolerance. Through regular flag ceremonies and the recitation of Pancasila, citizens are reminded to respect people of different faiths and local religions, reinforcing the country's commitment to peaceful coexistence.

What further steps are necessary to improve the treatment of adherents of local religions in Indonesia?

Further steps include full recognition of local religions, ensuring equal rights for their adherents in accessing state documents, education, and religious practice. There is also a need to foster greater understanding and acceptance of these religions within Indonesian society.