PROBLEM KONSEPTUALISASI ‘AGAMA’ DI INDONESIA DAN IMPLIKASINYA

Abstract

This article discusses how the word <em>'agama'</em> (religion) in Indonesia has developed so far from its origin. Also how the world religion paradigm (WRP) affects the construction of <em>agama</em> in Indonesia; and the implications thereafter. Through literature study, data were collected and analyzed descriptively, and the results showed that: First, the concept of '<em> agama</em> ' was constructed by political policies and academic activities in Indonesia from the Dutch colonial period, the Japanese occupation to post-independence. As a result, the concept of '<em>agama</em>' has become rigid, exclusive and discriminatory. Second, the construction of '<em>agama</em>' is influenced by the WRP with Islam as the 'model' and monotheism as the main feature. This paradigm is increasingly hegemonic with the presence of the precepts of ‘<em>Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa</em>’ (Belief in One Supreme God) in Pancasila which agrees with this feature, and is used by the state in identifying <em>agama</em>. In this way, this WRP further narrows the identification of <em>agama</em>, limits the official religions to only six, and gives an exclusive place to the Abrahamic tradition. At the same time, it also excludes traditions that are not identical with world religions. Third, the conceptualization of <em>agama</em> has implications for five things; (1) Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism as world religions with monotheistic feature become models of <em>agama</em>. (2) Practices outside the Abrahamic tradition, such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism, need to adapt their theology as a commitment to Pancasila, to be recognized by the state. (3) The conceptualization of <em>agama</em> has established the position of world religion as the 'official religion' in Indonesia which is managed and facilitated by the state, while the local religion is positioned as <em>aliran kepercayaan</em> (traditional belief) only. (4) Academically, this WRP affects the theoretical framework in religious studies and biased research. (5) Local religions that are not recognized by the state, face discrimination related to citizenship rights and stigma as; primitive, animist, and irreligious.