Local Beliefs in Indonesia

Indonesia is a country that has a variety of islands, characteristics, ethnicity, culture, traditions, and languages. One of the most prominent diversity is religious diversity. In Indonesia, there are six religions recognized by the government, which are Islam, Christianity (Protestantism), Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. 

However, did you know that there are also various other beliefs besides the six religions in Indonesia? The religions that were legalized in Indonesia are religions that came under foreign nations' influence, but why are these religions being legalized instead of local beliefs? Why is local belief so unknown to Indonesian society? So now, here, let's discuss!

What Local Belief is.

According to Sirait et al., local belief is an inheritance to embrace certain beliefs from generation to generation (34). Local beliefs develop in certain areas by a community that occupies one area. Local beliefs that arise and develop in an area have different cultures, backgrounds, traditions, and customs.

In Indonesia, local beliefs develop in areas from Sabang to Merauke with their various characteristics. Reporting from various sources, local beliefs in Indonesia had existed long before the six official religions entered and spread. Local beliefs in Indonesia are divided into 187 groups, three of which are the following.

• Sunda Wiwitan

Sunda Wiwitan is a belief held by the Sundanese people in Indonesia. This belief has a God called Sang Hyang Kersa. The followers of Sunda Wiwitan believe in one God, the same as the teachings in Islam. This local belief is located in Sundanese community areas such as Banten, Cigugur, and Cirebon.

• Kejawen

Kejawen is a belief held by the Javanese people. This belief has the main teaching for building manners in a good life. In the implementation of their customs and behavior, they apply the characteristics of a Javanese native who is obedient to their ancestors. The followers of this belief carry out traditions such as mitoni and wetonan.

• Kaharingan

Kaharingan is one of the local beliefs held by the Dayak people in Kalimantan. Kaharingan believes in the existence of God Almighty. Reporting from various sources, this belief is considered similar to Hinduism. However, this belief has a place of worship that is different from Hinduism; their worship place is called Balai Basarah.

Those beliefs are only part of Indonesia's local beliefs because there are many small communities of local beliefs that probably have not been recognized and known.

Existence of Local Beliefs in Indonesia.

Even though local beliefs are spread in various regions, the Indonesian people are still not well known. The lack of people's knowledge of local beliefs' diversity can be due to the lack of information they get. Besides, people's indifference to study diversity in Indonesia can also support the ignorance of local beliefs.

On the other hand, among the people's ignorance of local beliefs, adherents of local beliefs had experienced difficulties in obtaining their rights. Followers of local beliefs have difficulty gaining rights, such as education, employment, and social acceptance. It happened when they have difficulty getting religious recognition on their national identity cards or KTP.

However, now, the Indonesian government has shown their support for local believers by printing and writing (no longer blank) the religion column on local believers' ID cards. It was legalized in 2019. Based on this, the local faith followers have been able to live a little bit of relief.

Furthermore, the existence of local beliefs in Indonesia depends on these beliefs' attitude towards state policies. Local beliefs will continue to exist as long as followers maintain their ancestral traditions and good relations with the government. Likewise, the government must also be able to protect local beliefs in state regulations even though they are not recognized as a national religion. If a good relationship is established, then harmony will be easier to achieve.

What We Should Do.

Indonesia's local beliefs need to be preserved in its traditions and existence because it is one of Indonesia's heritage treasures that shows the unique characteristics of diversity that Indonesia has. Although local beliefs are not recognized in Indonesia's six official religions, they are still Indonesian assets that contribute to shaping the country's distinctive features.

Local beliefs need to be noticed and recognized by the public and the government because remember, before Indonesia recognized the six official religions, these beliefs had existed long ago. They had accompanied the Indonesian people for a long time.

People have their reasons and perspective on believing in their beliefs. The world we are born with is a world of great variety. Tolerance really needs to be developed. All differences would not have been a problem if it had not been made an issue by people.

Never create conflicts in the name of differences. Love your religion or belief without the need to force others to love your faith. If people believe and have an awareness of the importance of living with tolerance, life will be more peaceful. Be wise and respectful to others.

References:

Sitrait, Arbi M., et al. “Posisi dan Reposisi Kepercayaan Lokal di Indonesia.” Kuriositas: Media Komunikasi Sosial dan Keagamaan, vol. 1, 2015, pp. 25-37, https://doi.org/10.35905/kur.v8i1.144.

“Mengenal 7 Kepercayaan di Indonesia yang Ada Sejak Ratusan Tahun Lalu.” Kumparan, 18 Dec. 2019, https://kumparan.com/berita-heboh/mengenal-7-kepercayaan-di-indonesia-yang-ada-sejak-ratusan-tahun-lalu-1sT4jfEWrkM/full.