<![CDATA[Adolescence is a developmental period strongly influenced by the social environment, particularly peers, including in the sphere of religious behavior such as participation in puja bakti. Preliminary observations of Buddhist adolescents in Sampetan, Boyolali, showed variation in participation in puja bakti that appeared to be associated with peer relationships, although the specific forms of this influence were not yet clear. This study aimed to describe the role of peers in shaping Buddhist adolescents’ motivation to participate in puja bakti in Sampetan, identify the forms of peer influence on their participation, and analyze the factors affecting their motivation. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed involving four Buddhist adolescents in Sampetan who were members of REDISA (Sampetan Village Buddhist Youth) as key informants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation and were analyzed using the interactive analysis model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, consisting of data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that peers primarily function as a source of social support by reminding one another of puja bakti schedules, inviting one another to attend together, modeling religious behavior, and creating a sense of comfort during activities. Based on the informants’ experiences, these forms of support were associated with greater enthusiasm for participating in puja bakti, although religious motivation was also influenced by other factors, including personal awareness, parents, and vihara mentors. Viewed through Social Learning Theory and Self-Determination Theory, the study concludes that peers are perceived as playing a supportive role in Buddhist adolescents’ participation in puja bakti in Sampetan]]>
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