Islam Realitas: Journal of Islamic and Social Studies
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2024): December 2024

Between Isothymia and Megalothymia: Addressing Religious-Based Identity Politics in Indonesia

Hidayat, Arfi (Unknown)
Rizkita, Muhammad (Unknown)
Riyanto, Waryani Fajar (Unknown)
Nasih, Sirajun (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Dec 2024

Abstract

This article seeks to analyze the phenomenon of religious politics in Indonesia using Francis Fukuyama's concept of thymos. The 1945 constitution of Indonesia guaranteed the freedom of religion, yet on the one hand, it also provided explanations for six beliefs as definitive religions. This triggers the marginalization of adherents of traditional beliefs, with their rights not fully accommodated by the state. Thymos shape social and political life, and individuals or groups, when feeling that their thymotic needs are not met, may demand political recognition. Fukuyama explains two patterns of thymos: 1) isothymia, referring to the desire for equal recognition in terms of dignity, values, and identity, and 2) megalothymia, representing the desire for recognition as superior. The findings in this article indicate that religious identity politics in Indonesia are reflected through these two patterns of isothymia and megalothymia, evident in the tumultuous journey of marginalized local belief identities and in identity politics directed towards religion-based dominations.

Copyrights © 2024






Journal Info

Abbrev

Islam_realitas

Publisher

Subject

Religion Social Sciences

Description

Islam Realitas: Journal of Islamic and Social Studies is an international journal published by the State Islamic Institute of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia. It specializes in research on Islamic and social problems from a range of disciplines and interdisciplinary fields. The ...