Indonesia Population by Religion: A Diverse and Dynamic Landscape

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Indonesia Population by Religion: A Diverse and Dynamic Landscape

Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country, with an estimated population of 276 million people in 2020. It is also the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, with about 87% of its population identifying as Muslims. However, Indonesia is not a homogeneous country in terms of religion. It is home to a variety of religious groups, beliefs, and practices, reflecting its rich and diverse cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore the Indonesia population by religion, and how it has changed over time and across regions.

1. The Major Religions in Indonesia

According to the 2010 census, the official data source for religious affiliation in Indonesia, the major religions in the country are as follows:

  • Islam: 207.2 million (87.2%)
  • Protestantism: 16.5 million (6.9%)
  • Catholicism: 6.9 million (2.9%)
  • Hinduism: 4 million (1.7%)
  • Buddhism: 1.7 million (0.7%)
  • Confucianism: 117,000 (0.05%)
  • Other religions: 299,000 (0.13%)
  • Not stated or unclear: 139,000 (0.06%)

These numbers show that Islam is the dominant religion in Indonesia, followed by Christianity (Protestantism and Catholicism combined), Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. However, these numbers do not capture the diversity and complexity of religious life in Indonesia, as there are many variations, sects, and syncretisms within and across these religions. For example, there are different schools of thought and practice within Islam, such as Sunni, Shia, Sufi, and Ahmadiyya. There are also indigenous religions, such as Kejawen, Sunda Wiwitan, and Kaharingan, that are often blended with other religions, such as Islam or Hinduism. Moreover, there are new religious movements, such as Gafatar, Lia Eden, and Al-Qiyadah Al-Islamiyah, that have emerged in recent decades, challenging the established religious norms and authorities.

2. The Historical and Geographical Factors of Religious Diversity in Indonesia

The Indonesia population by religion is not only diverse, but also dynamic. It has been shaped by various historical and geographical factors, such as migration, trade, colonization, nationalism, and globalization. Here are some of the key events and processes that have influenced the religious landscape of Indonesia over time:

  • The arrival of Hinduism and Buddhism: Between the 1st and 15th centuries CE, Hinduism and Buddhism spread from India to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, through trade and cultural exchange. The earliest evidence of Hinduism and Buddhism in Indonesia can be found in the inscriptions and temples of the Tarumanagara kingdom in West Java, dating back to the 4th century CE. Hinduism and Buddhism became the dominant religions of many kingdoms and empires in Indonesia, such as Srivijaya, Majapahit, and Mataram, and influenced the art, literature, and politics of the region.

  • The arrival of Islam: Islam arrived in Indonesia around the 13th century CE, through the contacts and conversions of merchants, missionaries, and rulers from the Middle East, India, and China. Islam gradually replaced Hinduism and Buddhism as the dominant religion of many coastal and inland regions of Indonesia, especially in Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi. Islam also developed various local expressions and adaptations, such as the Wali Songo (the nine saints) in Java, the Minangkabau matrilineal society in West Sumatra, and the Bugis maritime culture in South Sulawesi.

  • The arrival of Christianity: Christianity came to Indonesia in the 16th century CE, with the arrival of the Portuguese and Spanish explorers and missionaries, who introduced Catholicism to the islands of Maluku, Flores, and Timor. Later, in the 17th century CE, the Dutch and British colonizers and traders brought Protestantism to various parts of Indonesia, such as Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Papua. Christianity faced resistance and competition from Islam and indigenous religions, but also gained converts and followers among some ethnic groups, such as the Batak, the Dayak, and the Papuans.

  • The emergence of nationalism and pluralism: In the 20th century CE, Indonesia witnessed the rise of nationalism and independence movements, which challenged the colonial rule and sought to unify the diverse and fragmented archipelago. One of the key issues was the role and status of religion in the new nation. The founding fathers of Indonesia, such as Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, advocated for a pluralistic and inclusive approach, based on the principle of Pancasila (the five pillars), which recognizes six official religions (Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism) and guarantees freedom of religion for all citizens. However, this approach also faced opposition and criticism from some groups, such as the Islamic parties, the Communist Party, and the separatist movements, who had different visions and agendas for the nation.

  • The impact of globalization and modernization: In the 21st century CE, Indonesia is experiencing the effects of globalization and modernization, which bring new opportunities and challenges for the religious life of its people. On one hand, globalization and modernization facilitate the spread and exchange of religious ideas, practices, and movements, both within and outside Indonesia, creating more diversity and dynamism. On the other hand, globalization and modernization also generate social, economic, and political problems, such as poverty, inequality, corruption, and violence, which often trigger religious conflicts and tensions, such as the sectarian clashes, the terrorist attacks, and the blasphemy cases.

3. The Future of Religious Diversity in Indonesia

The Indonesia population by religion is expected to continue to grow and change in the future, as the country faces new opportunities and challenges in the global and local contexts. According to the Pew Research Center, the population of Indonesia will reach 321 million by 2050, and the religious composition will be as follows:

  • Islam: 295.5 million (92.1%)
  • Christianity: 16.7 million (5.2%)
  • Hinduism: 4.5 million (1.4%)
  • Buddhism: 1.4 million (0.4%)
  • Other religions: 2.8 million (0.9%)

These projections show that Islam will remain the dominant religion in Indonesia, and will increase its share of the population, while Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism will decrease their shares. However, these projections do not account for the possible changes and variations within and across these religions, such as the emergence of new sects, movements, and syncretisms, or the shifts in religious identity, affiliation, and practice.

Therefore, the future of religious diversity in Indonesia is not predetermined, but rather contingent on the choices and actions of the Indonesian people, as well as the policies and institutions of the Indonesian government and society. How will the Indonesian people manage and celebrate their religious diversity, while also maintaining their national unity and harmony? How will the Indonesian government and society protect and promote the rights and freedoms of all religious groups, while also preventing and resolving the conflicts and tensions among them? These are some of the questions and challenges that the Indonesian people will have to face and address in the future, as they strive to create a more peaceful and prosperous nation.