Journal of Religion and Decoloniality
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Journal of Religion and Decoloniality

Freedom on Whose Terms? A Decolonial Re-Examination of Religion in Indonesia

Kurnia (Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Andi Miftahul Maulidil Mursyid (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Fattahul Muluk, Papua, Indonesia
University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Jun 2025

Abstract

Restrictions on freedom of religion in Indonesia lead to discrimination against religious groups and generate social pressures reinforcing practices of intolerance. This situation highlights the urgency of rethinking the decolonial process in the legal framework of religious freedom, particularly regarding the recognition of the rights of indigenous belief systems (aliran kepercayaan) and religious minorities. This study employs a qualitative approach grounded in decolonial theory, drawing on data from Setara Institute reports spanning from 2014 to 2024. It addresses three central questions: How can decoloniality be interpreted within the context of religion in Indonesia; How does religious freedom challenge contemporary manifestations of colonialism, and; How do colonial legacies continue to shape current religious expressions and legal structures? First, colonial-era thought structures still influence the persistence of religious intolerance in Indonesia; Second, the existing legal framework continues to reproduce exclusive interpretations of religious freedom, contributing to the ongoing marginalization of minority groups, and; Third, dominant political-legal frameworks perpetuate conditions that lead to the violation of religious freedom. These findings suggest that freedom of religion in Indonesia has terms and conditions that must be critically examined.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jrd

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities Environmental Science Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Religion and Decoloniality (JRD) is a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary academic journal exploring the intersections of religion, spirituality, and decolonial thought. It explores how religious traditions, theological frameworks, and spiritual practices are implicated and can respond to ...