<![CDATA[Religious conversion among indigenous communities can create a distinctive form of vulnerability when converts lose customary support networks before developing stable relationships within their new religious community. Existing empowerment and social resilience perspectives provide limited explanation of situations in which religious identity reconstruction and community empowerment occur simultaneously. This study examined how community-based empowerment by Muhammadiyah preachers strengthened social resilience among Baduy Luar Muslim converts in Kampung Cepak Buah and Corogol, Lebak, Banten, and developed a conceptual model of the process. A qualitative case study involved 15 informants selected through purposive and snowball sampling, comprising five Muhammadiyah preachers and ten supporting informants, including converts, customary leaders, village officials, religious figures, and institutional representatives. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews, participant observation, focus group discussions, and documentary analysis, with credibility supported through source, technique, and temporal triangulation. Thematic analysis examined patterns of religious identity reconstruction, cultural legitimacy, economic empowerment, social participation, collective capacity, and resilience. Five interconnected strategies emerged: culturally adaptive da'wah, productive economic empowerment, educational and institutional development, theological and social harmonization, and multi-stakeholder networking. Their interaction strengthened spiritual grounding, social solidarity, economic capacity, and collective agency, while supporting a transition from individual to organizational and community-level empowerment. The study proposes Community-Based Religious Resilience as an emerging model in which spiritual, social, and economic capacities jointly support collective adaptation and religious continuity.]]>
Copyrights © 2026
