Experience of the Muslim Community Resistance During COVID-19 in Moluccas, Indonesia

Abstract

The empirical analysis of this article presents an interpretation of religious attitudes expressed during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Muslim communities in Moluccas, Indonesia. The article explains religious experiences and the meanings of their resistance to COVID-19. Various measures to respond to the pandemic have created resistance in religious communities globally. As a result, there have been violations of health protocols, including in Indonesia. Data were obtained through interviews and observations around Ambon City, Moluccas, Indonesia. The data were analyzed through qualitative methods and constructivist paradigms based on a phenomenological perspective, especially a social constructionist perspective. This article explains the role that phenomenological and religious studies of resistance can play in understanding effective public health management and improving the government’s policies and the pandemic health protocols. Subjective experiences occurred in religious worship, community homes, educational institutions, and rituals amid uncertain information and political polarization. The results indicate that resistance encompasses planning, fraud, global disasters, negative labeling, panic, anxiety, and fear. Resistance will have an impact and become necessary due to the involvement of individuals; this affects daily life for religious belief and coping with fear, panic, and uncertainty of COVID-19. This article will benefit Muslim communities’ subjective experiences regarding resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage further research.