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Indonesia's Religious Diversity Explained

Indonesia is characterized by its high religious diversity, encapsulated in the motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, meaning different but united. The spread of Islam, Protestant Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism has significantly shaped the country's cultural identity, with each religion contributing to Indonesia's rich heritage. Maintaining religious peace and mutual respect is essential for fostering a cohesive society amidst this diversity.

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Sally Kharisma Putri
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31 views10 pages

Indonesia's Religious Diversity Explained

Indonesia is characterized by its high religious diversity, encapsulated in the motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, meaning different but united. The spread of Islam, Protestant Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism has significantly shaped the country's cultural identity, with each religion contributing to Indonesia's rich heritage. Maintaining religious peace and mutual respect is essential for fostering a cohesive society amidst this diversity.

Uploaded by

Sally Kharisma Putri
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Diversity and Harmony

Indonesia is known as a country with high diversity, one of which is


religious diversity. This diversity is one of the characteristics of the
Indonesian nation and is stated in the motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which
means different but still one.
Islam entered Indonesia through a
protracted and complicated process. This
cannot be fully explained by just one
hypothesis. But one thing is certain: Islam
has shaped Indonesia into a rich and
diverse culture and has become an
integral part of the country's identity.
In contrast to Islam which developed through marriage and
trade, Protestant Christianity spread throughout Indonesia
more directly as a result of European colonization,
especially Dutch colonialism.

Even today, remnants of the past expansion of Protestant


Christianity throughout Indonesia can be seen in the country's
many historic churches, Christian schools, and Christian
communities. Protestant Christianity has grown to become an
important component of religious diversity in Indonesia, despite its
ups and downs.
In the sixteenth century, the Portuguese first
introduced Catholicism to the archipelago.
Europe's presence was not only motivated by
the spirit of hunting for spices but also by the
3G mission which stands for the spread of
religion (Gospel), colonialism (Glory), and the
pursuit of money (Gold).
One of the important events that influenced
Indonesian civilization was the entry of
Hinduism into the archipelago. A distinctive
and advanced civilization was produced as a
consequence of the acculturation process
between Hindu culture and indigenous
culture. Although the arrival of Islam has
reduced Hindu influence, we may still
appreciate Hindu cultural heritage today.
One of the main religions that used to
experience rapid development in the
archipelago. Buddhism, like Hinduism,
entered Indonesia through trade routes and
had a long-term impact on the culture and
civilization of the archipelago.
Along with the migration and interaction of
Chinese people with the Indonesian population,
Confucianism has a rich and fascinating history
in Indonesia. Even though its popularity is lower
than other religions such as Buddhism,
Hinduism, or Islam, Confucianism still plays an
important role in shaping Indonesia's diverse
cultural landscape.
In Indonesia, religious peace is a very important commodity.
Awareness and dedication of all members of society are needed to
maintain and improve this balance. Through mutual tolerance and
respect for diversity, we can create a peaceful, successful and
cohesive Indonesia.

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