Religious Pluralism In Indonesia Research Articles

Towards a More Illiberal Pluralism? Reexamination of the Nahdlatul Ulama’s Turn Against Islamic Fundamentalist Groups in Contemporary Indonesia

The rise of Nahdlatul Ulama’s intolerant response to Islamic fundamentalist groups has revived the long-standing scholarly debate on the future of Indonesian pluralism in post-reform era. Some scholars have overlooked that NU's response is contrary to the principles of liberal pluralism because it violates religious freedom for minority groups. Some others argue that such response actually confirm the consistency of NU's stance as a moderate Islamic organization in protecting and advocating religious pluralism in Indonesia. However, only a few scholars have studied how intolerant responses within NU and its various forms are discussed from a more critical, emphatic and comprehensive perspective. This article examines the conflicting response within NU over Islamic fundamentalist movements. This article is a qualitative research that employs a pluralism perspective as its main approach to analyzing the data. Based on a case study of local NU in Jember (East Java), it was found that many elements of NU Jember used a repressive approach in countering Islamic fundamentalist movements. This was due to the disbandment of the FPI, the termination of religious gatherings of the HTI by the State, and the rejection of the establishment of Imam Syafi'i Islamic Junior High School by the Salafis. Some, however, used non-repressive strategy against puritanical preaching of HTI, FPI and Salafi groups that are often considered heretical and in conflict with the belief of other religious groups. As result, the NU’s attempt to protect the religious freedom from fundamentalist attack turned into a threat to principles of pluralism. Indonesia’s religious freedom, I argue, is now in slow but perceptible process of deconsolidation.

Towards a More Illiberal Pluralism? Reexamination of the Nahdlatul Ulama’s Turn Against Islamic Fundamentalist Groups in Contemporary Indonesia

The rise of Nahdlatul Ulama’s intolerant response to Islamic fundamentalist groups has revived the long-standing scholarly debate on the future of Indonesian pluralism in post-reform era. Some scholars have overlooked that NU's response is contrary to the principles of liberal pluralism because it violates religious freedom for minority groups. Some others argue that such response actually confirm the consistency of NU's stance as a moderate Islamic organization in protecting and advocating religious pluralism in Indonesia. However, only a few scholars have studied how intolerant responses within NU and its various forms are discussed from a more critical, emphatic and comprehensive perspective. This article examines the conflicting response within NU over Islamic fundamentalist movements. This article is a qualitative research that employs a pluralism perspective as its main approach to analyzing the data. Based on a case study of local NU in Jember (East Java), it was found that many elements of NU Jember used a repressive approach in countering Islamic fundamentalist movements. This was due to the disbandment of the FPI, the termination of religious gatherings of the HTI by the State, and the rejection of the establishment of Imam Syafi'i Islamic Junior High School by the Salafis. Some, however, used non-repressive strategy against puritanical preaching of HTI, FPI and Salafi groups that are often considered heretical and in conflict with the belief of other religious groups. As result, the NU’s attempt to protect the religious freedom from fundamentalist attack turned into a threat to principles of pluralism. Indonesia’s religious freedom, I argue, is now in slow but perceptible process of deconsolidation.

The Demands of Madrasah Management Transformation: Strategies to Realize Quality Madrasas Climate

This study aims to determine the madrasa management strategy in creating a quality madrasa climate to improve the quality of Islamic education in Indonesia. The research method used is a mixed method, namely by combining quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data is in the form of the percentage of madrasa climate implementation. Qualitative data is in the form of descriptions of respondents' perceptions of the use of the madrasah climate. Respondents in this study were madrasa heads, educators, and employees in the madrasa environment, totaling 68 people. These respondents came from 7 provinces in Indonesia who were randomly selected based on region (cluster random sampling). Researchers analyzed quantitative data from the results of the questionnaire descriptively. Meanwhile, qualitative data analysis uses the Miles Huberman model. The results of this study indicate that 89.7% of respondents improve the quality of education services to produce a quality madrasah climate. There are 83.8% of madrasas that have the characteristics of forming a positive madrasa climate such as forming an Islamic culture, improving skills, developing students' interests and talents, and paying attention to character values. The implementation of this strategy is the result of collaboration between madrasa heads, educators, staff, and students. This is indicated by the successive percentages of 92%, 92.6% and 85.3%. The findings of this study reveal that the formation of a quality madrasah climate does not give up the values of religious moderation in the actualization of religion for students in the midst of religious pluralism in Indonesia.

Navigating Diversity: Exploring Religious Pluralism and Social Harmony in Indonesian Society

This paper explores the intricate dynamics of religious pluralism and social harmony in Indonesian society. With its diverse religious landscape and multicultural population, Indonesia serves as a fascinating case study to investigate how different religious communities coexist and contribute to societal cohesion. Through a mixed methods approach and an extensive literature review, this study examines the historical, cultural, and socio-political factors that shape religious pluralism in Indonesia. It analyzes the interactions among religious communities, the influence of government policies and regulations, and the role of interfaith dialogue and initiatives. Additionally, the research explores manifestations of social harmony, including successful case studies of interfaith cooperation, social programs fostering unity, and the impact of religious leaders in promoting tolerance. Furthermore, the study critically examines the challenges and conflicts that arise in a religiously diverse society, considering factors such as political and economic influences and legal and policy issues pertaining to religious freedom and minority rights. The findings of this study provide insights and recommendations for policymakers, religious leaders, and society to cultivate understanding, cooperation, and peace amidst diversity.

Kesatuan Transenden di Tengah Pluralisme Agama: Sebuah Interpretasi Pemikiran Frithjof Schuon

Indonesia, as a country with a high religious diversity, needs a framework of thought that can accommodate this diversity. The purpose of this study is to discuss Frithjof Schuon's thought on transcendental unity and its relevance to the context of religious life in pluralistic Indonesia. In the context of religious pluralism in Indonesia, Schuon argues that all religions and beliefs have the same roots in transcendental unity that transcend doctrinal or dogmatic differences. This concept has important implications for strengthening unity in diversity in Indonesia, but also poses challenges and criticism. This research is a literature review using a philosophical approach that aims to analyze the ideas of the figure. The results show that Schuon's ideas can provide a relevant framework for addressing the challenges of religious pluralism in Indonesia by teaching tolerance, respect for differences, and a deeper understanding of transcendental reality. The application of Schuon's concept of pluralistic reasoning and transcendental unity can be a basis for building a more harmonious and peaceful society in Indonesia.

DEVELOPMENT OF MULTICULTURALISM ON ETHNIC AND RELEGION IN INDONESIA

Multiculturalism is a phrase that refers to people's viewpoints on the world's diversity, as well as cultural policies that promote acceptance of difference. Diversity in life is an unavoidable condition, as proven by the facts mentioned above Indonesia. Hostilities had arisen across almost the whole territory of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia at this time, signifying a range of differences. To attain true peace, a modern-day paradigm of ethnic and religious diversity, with a focus on religious pluralism in Indonesia, must be constructed. Using a descriptive qualitative approach and library research methodology with data collection technique, this study will collect information about books important to core intercultural education principles. Indonesian society has existed from the dawn of time. During this multicultural nation's life, our nation is engaged in a large and long-term undertaking to reestablish the spirit of oneness in diversity. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika isn't just an abstract principle here; it's also a shared respect of togetherness and pluralism. Nationality is more than a combination of bloodshed and residence. The goal of this document format, which is a documentation research technique, is to collect numerous references in the form of books, articles, documents, and other materials related to the fundamental principles of ethnic and religious multiculturalism in Indonesia. Gaining cultural understanding and ethnic literacy does not always imply that attitudes of racism, prejudice, and discrimination are abolished, and this approach undervalues the huge significance of racism. Individuality and group diversity will be stressed in educational practices, which will be vulnerable and culturally sensitive, and will consider all points of view and values to be equal. The popular belief is that the saying "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" is only a slogan, but variety is a reality.

Freedom of Religion amid Polarization and Religious Moderation Policy

To address religious extremism and radicalism, the Indonesian government initiated the idea of “religious moderation” as an official state policy centered at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Since 2019 the government has published books, guidance, and held various trainings on religious moderation, especially in institutions related to the Ministry. It also develops religious moderation instruments to ensure that government employees and officials, especially those within the Ministry, are free from exposure to extremism and radicalism. The idea is presented by the government as appreciating, respecting, and protecting the valued religious pluralism in Indonesia. But this article also argues that, upon critical examination, there are tensions between this idea and freedom of religion or belief in Indonesia. The religious moderation policy may run counter to freedom of religion or expression and overlooks central weaknesses in the existing state governance of religion

BOOK REVIEW: Religious Pluralism in Indonesia: Threats and Opportunities for Democracy, by Chiara Formichi

BOOK REVIEW: Religious Pluralism in Indonesia: Threats and Opportunities for Democracy, by Chiara Formichi

Contestation of Islam Nusantara: Reasoning of Pluralism in Constructing Religious Harmony in Indonesia Context

The existence of religious pluralism in Indonesia cannot be separated from the dynamics of Islamic contestation in the Archipelago. The reasoning and practice of religious pluralism have not yet received full support from Muslims. Social conflicts are often injured in practice, such as intolerance, violence, and persecution between religious believers. This study aims to reveal the significance of reasoning and practice of religious pluralism in building religious harmony in the context of the plurality of the Indonesian as a nation. This literature research seeks to explore relevant data from various sources such asbooks, proceedings, and journals (Zed, 2004: 2-3). Data analysis was conducted through content analysis related to Indonesia's concept and practice of religious pluralism. This study shows that the reasoning and practice of religious pluralism have great significance for shaping the understanding, awareness, and religious attitudes of the majority of Indonesian Muslims who are tolerant in responding to differences in faith, worship rituals, and religious cultures. This religious attitude can display the moderate face of Islam in interfaith social and humanitarian interactions in society. The dialectical reasoning of religious pluralism in this study resulted in five basic findings, namely: Islam Nusantara: a localized meaning of Islam; religious plurality from a multiculturalism perspective; pluralism reasoning in building inclusive religious attitudes; religious meeting point towards religious harmony; and Pancasila (Five Principles of the republic) as the indigenous style of Islam Nusantara. The original form of Islamic contestation in the Archipelago is reflected in Pancasila is a common consensus, the estuary of encounter, and the style of the struggle of Islam Nusantara to date.

Challenges of the church in facing religious pluralism and its impact on church growth in Indonesia

This paper aims to examine the church's challenges in dealing with religious pluralism in Indonesia and its impact on church growth. This article takes a qualitative method with an emphasis on historical-grammatical interpretation. The following data collection approaches were employed in this study: To begin, interpret the biblical text grammatically-historically. Following that, perform a comparative analysis of the primary contemporary views of the unknown God (Acts 17:23). Finally, conduct a critical study in order to develop a historical reconstruction that takes into account ancient writing techniques. The purpose of this article is to classify, explore, and extract texts from the historical city of Athens, as well as to produce texts using hermeneutic principles. This research will examine various interpretations of each source in order to develop conclusions about the research conducted and its theological implications. Acts 17:23-25 is the focus of this study. The findings of this study reveal that while the Bible preaches religious tolerance, this study demonstrates that the Church must naturally expand in accordance with God's purposes and the Word, which compels the Church to accommodate religious tolerance. The conclusion is that the church must continue to exist in order to fulfill the Lord Jesus' commandment to bring the gospel to all people (Matt. Acts 1:8), as Paul did in Athens.

The Concept of Religious Pluralism in The Qur’an: An Analysis of Maqashidi Exegesis in The Indonesian Context

Within Indonesian context, religious pluralism has been a polemic among Islamic scholars. Some are not agreed because they assume all religions are equal. Whilst others are agreed with understanding religious pluralism as a form of respect and belief in other religions. This paper discusses the concept of religious pluralism in the Qur'an. By using the thematic method and the maqashidi interpretation approach in the Indonesian context, it is concluded that the Qur'an recognizes religious plurality and recommends committing good for non-Muslims as long as they do not interfere. In Indonesia, the concept of religious pluralism is a social fact that invariably exists and requires interfaith coexistence by maintaining the specific characteristics or teachings of each religion. Seven efforts have at least been made to address religious pluralism in Indonesia which are establishing brotherhood (ukhuwah), egalitarianism (al-musawah), the principles of justice (al-'adalah), the principles of tolerance (tasamuh), the principles of mutual respect, cooperation and friendship, the principles of peaceful co-existence, and wise-constructive-transformative dialogues.

Natural Theology and its Relevance to Religious Pluralism in Indonesia

Natural theology is an underdeveloped theological theme in the recent Indonesian theological scholarship. That fact is unfortunate considering the significance of the topic to the context of religious pluralism in Indonesia. Natural theology is interdisciplinary and interreligious in nature; thus, it might open scholarly discussion for scholars from many disciplines with diverse religious backgrounds. Using a systematic theology approach, this articleargues that developing natural theology could keep balance for Christian emphasis on general and special revelation that might lead toward the enrichment of the Christian faith.

KONSEP PENDIDIKAN MULTIKULTURAL DI LEMBAGA PENDIDIKAN MUHAMMADIYAH (Studi Pemikran Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu’ti, M.Ed.)

This research focuses on "MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION CONCEPT IN MUHAMMADIYAH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS (Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu'ti, M.Ed.) Thought Studies", literature review. The aim is to find out and examine how Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu'ti, M.Ed.The benefits obtained from the results of this research are that, for the author, it can be used as material for scientific studies in order to increase insight and analytical skills on problems that are directly related to the scientific field that the author is engaged in in college. Then, for educational institutions, it can be used as a vehicle for the development of knowledge according to the mission it carries, as well as an effort to increase its role in the field of community service. Moreover, for the community, it can be used as reference material and useful information for improving the quality of human resources through increasing the development of children according to the demands of Islamic teachings in the context of full human development in the current multicultural era, and the development of a whole society that is physically and mentally prosperous. safe and happy world hereafter. The method used in this research is to use the library research method, or what is called literature study is a method that the author uses to explore various library materials that have to do with the subject of study in writing this thesis.From the results of this study, it was concluded that the main research findings of Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu'ti, M.Ed stated in the Muhammadiyah Christian Book there were several points of thought that Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu'ti, M.Ed. present among others that Muhammadiyah is present as a movement that welcomes religious plurality, in the opinion of Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu'ti, M.Ed Muhammadiyah, despite its pure and modernist Islamic status, is able to answer the challenges of the times even in areas where the majority are non-Muslims. According to Prof.Dr. Abdul Mu'ti, M.Ed Muhammadiyah accepted social institutions from the West and adopted the Western education system. If this attitude continues to be carried out, it will strengthen optimism about the future of religious pluralism in Indonesia and focus on being a central role in building a strong national character, open to differences, and strong Indonesian integrity as well as educational progress, especially in Muhammadiyah educational institutions. This finding is certainly a reference for Muhammadiyah schools, especially those in Muslim-majority circles, which should be more advanced and developed when referring to the research findings of Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu'ti, M.Ed. so that there are no more cases of closing Muhammadiyah schools due to the absence of students such as the example in SMA Muhammadiyah Ciampea Bogor, Muhammadiyah schools need to be more welcome from any aspect that is positive and adopting the system or following the times as well as strengthening cultural propaganda.Keywords: Concept, Multicultural, Muhammadiyah

BOOK REVIEW: Religious Pluralism in Indonesia: Threats and Opportunities for Democracy, edited by Chiara Formichi

Contemporary Southeast Asia (CSEA) is one of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute"s flagship publications. Now in its fourth decade of publication, CSEA has succeeded in building up an international reputation as one of Southeast Asia"s premier academic journals. The aim of the peer reviewed journal is to provide subscribers with up to date and in-depth analysis of critical trends and developments in Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region. The primary focus of the journal is on issues related to domestic politics in Southeast Asian countries, regional architecture and community building, military, strategic and security affairs, conflict zones and relations among the Great Powers. CSEA publishes authoritative, insightful and original contributions from scholars, think-tank analysts, journalists and policy-makers from across the globe. The Editorial Committee is guided by the advice of the International Advisory Committee which is composed of eminent scholars from Asia, the United States, Australia and Europe.

Secularized Secondary School Schematic

Reacting to the harmonious upon religious pluralism in Indonesia, current educational policies are now supposed to involve a heterogeneous education concept. If based on the common fact, those who keen into pure islamic school, they usually are listed-in Madrasah Secondary School or Madrasah Aliyah. Prior to the pure-islamic school, students whose essence as a christian and/ or catholic, they constantly are enrolled to the Christian or Catholic Secondary School (see SMAK). Aside of them, neither pupils nor parents whose consider religion and ethnic (secular secondary school), their entrance are mostly addressed into the Secondary School itself (the school that hasn’t specify the religious matter). Opposing an existed fact above, this article is trying to exposing the concept of Secularized Secondary School. Such school’s model is prospectable to enhance the multitude of educational path by the Unity in Diversity or Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. A secular senior high school is able to be applied (soon) via multi-religion in Indonesia; 207 million (87%) Moslem; 16.5 million (7,0%) Christian; 6.9 million (2,9%) Catholic; 1.7 million (0,7%) Buddhism; 4 million (1,7%) Hinduism; and 117 thousands (0,05%) Confucianism. The aim of secularized here is equal by the universalized secondary school; which the students are organized by one-united vision above diversities. Such educational policy’s innovation is must be attempted over reconstructing and uniting thirteen-thousands-and-eight-hundred common secondary school around Indonesia.

IMPLEMENTASI PENDEKATAN TEOLOGIS NORMATIF DALAM PLURALISME BERAGAMA DI INDONESIA

This paper aims to describe the normative theological approach to religious pluralism in Indonesia. Research methods are used with the library study approach through library sources from various sources of literature on normative theological approaches in religious pluralism. Then analyzed and presented the data findings objectively. The result of this research is the implementation of normative approaches in religious pluralism in Indonesia through two elements, namely; first, uphold religious tolerance by respecting each other and respecting each other among other religions according to the practice of pancasila. second, the attitude of help in religion manifested in the form of mutual gotong royong in helping others in order to realize the welfare of each other's lives. This means that religious pluralism is an important point in people's lives in Indonesia that have different populations of different races, tribes, ethnicities, and religions.

MENCARI KALIMATUN SAWA DALAM PLURALISME AGAMA (KAJIAN DALAM PERSPEKTIF ISLAM)

Religious pluralism in Indonesia is a necessity that cannot be avoided because it adheres to diversity. As we know that in Indonesia there are six religions recognized by the government namely (Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Catholicism and Kong hu chu) and every Indonesian citizen must embrace one of these religions, besides that human beings themselves are part of pluralism itself, so we live in pluralism.Normatively, doctrinaire of religion always teaches kindness, love and harmony. But sociological reality shows the opposite, religion is actually used as a source of ongoing conflict, both internal and external conflicts, such as clashes between the Early Church Christians with Jews, Christians with adherents of Roman religion (imperial religion) in the first century to the third century. Not much different from that in Indonesia, so we need to find a meeting point or Sawa sentence, looking for a conducive and prospective approach to the realization of sacred religious values (fundamental values) to be applicable solutions in looking at this plural future.

THE GUARANTEE OF SOCIAL NEEDS IN jaminan kebutuhan pokok dalam perspektif ekonomi Islam

The guarantee of people's basic needs is a very important discussion in the context of religious pluralism in Indonesia. Understanding the meaning of guarantee for community needs is an attempt to know the systems and regulations that are promulgated by the Indonesian government with the rules and concepts of guaranteeing community needs based on the Shari'ah political economy policy on welfare that is accepted by the people in Indonesia. Therefore, this article aims to (1) Know the theory of human needs in society; (2) Analyzing the security needs of the community; (3) Analyzing the community's need assurance system in the perspective of shari'ah politics and economics with literature study.
 The results of the analysis show that (1) The theory and concept offered by Abraham Maslow is a basic offer of human needs in the welfare process (2) The accuracy and validity of the Indonesian government law in implementing the rules for social welfare security, there is still a little social inequality. (3) Offers the concept of social welfare for the people that was valid during the golden age and glory of Umar bin Khattab's government

Promoting and practicing religious pluralism: Muhammadiyah experience

This article aims to discuss about the experiences of Muhammadiyah in promoting and practicing values of religious pluralism in Indonesia. As one of the biggest modern Islamic organization in the world Muhammadiyah showed to take action in promoting values of religious pluralism. It was showed by education, preaching, social welfare, inter-faith dialogue and peace, and across culture, ethnic, and religious programs. For example, Muhammadiyah formed many schools and universities at all provinces in Indonesia. The network of Muhammadiyah’s schools and universities through in districts, in fact at villages. By education, Muhammadiyah taught and practiced values of religious pluralism. It was showed, particularly, by Muhammadiyah’s schools and universities at Muslim minority provinces. Province of Papua, West Papua, and East Nusa Tenggara, for example, percentage non-Muslim students and teacher at Muhammadiyah’s schools and universities through 75%-90%. Muhammadiyah also invited non-Muslim teachers to teach religion. Muhammadiyah gave freedom for every student to practice his religious teaching. By preaching, Muhammadiyah gave an emphasis that the diversity or plurality in the human life patterns is God’s wish and a scientific fact (natural of law, sunnatullah). Therefor everyone must celebrate and respect to diversity or plurality. Until now Muhammadiyah still active inter-faith dialogue and peace with religious leaders in Indonesia, even in the world. Muhammadiyah also does programs to against terrorism. The leaders of Muhammadiyah also involved peace building programs ini the world. Promoting values of religious pluralism by Muhammadiyah is very important because Indonesia is a multicultural state in ethnic, culture, and religion.

Menegakkan HAM “Kultural” (Cultural Rights) Melalui Peran Islam dalam Wacana Pluralisme Agama di Indonesia

This paper reviews comprehensively about how to uphold "cultural" human rights through the role of Islam in the discourse of religious pluralism in Indonesia. This study explores the strategic position of Muslims in building religious pluralism both concepts and actions, which in the end discourse on religious pluralism not only pours sweet words, but can be implemented in an effort to create harmony in religious life in Indonesia. The study of cultural rights is not only aimed at upholding human rights based on culture, but its output provides input to the government in formulating a policy agenda in overcoming issues of religious conflict, injustice and discrimination in Indonesia.