Asserting civic space of micro religious minorities: Evidence from Indonesia

Abstract

Studies on religious discrimination have focused on the nature, causes, and dynamics of repression, asserting that perceived threats and cross‐cutting influences of religious ideology and rational calculation are predictors for governmental discrimination against religious minorities. Yet, research on how the dynamic interplay of repression and pushback shapes the contestation between governments and minorities is lacking. This article explores this issue with a case study of a small indigenous religion group in culturally heterogenous Indonesia. Building on civic space theory, this article argues for the importance of coping strategies in resisting state‐led discrimination and asserting civic space. This article carefully examined complex micro dynamics while also offering new insights to better understand the interplay between repression and pushback in the context of religious freedom.

Parmalim and Contemporary Hegemony of the World Religion's Missionary Agenda in Aceh Singkil

“…Due to previous interpretations and public assumptions about Parmalim, it has become increasingly marginalised symbolically and easily stigmatised (Harahap & Irmawati, 2020;Hurriyah, 2023). Not surprisingly, Parmalim is considered an object that must be shaped by communities that have the power to transform Parmalim people into people who have a uniform belief and culture with the majority in Aceh.…”

Beyond essentialism: Knowledge production in Southeast Asian social science

“…In "Explaining the patterns of "war on drugs" violence in the Philippines under Duterte," Sol Iglesias (2023) shows that the frequency and intensity of mass killings during the war on drugs were not only the result of a "strong man" exercising his will but rather were influenced by a range of factors including government incentives, institutional constraints, and public opinion. In "Asserting civic space of the micro religious minorities: Lessons from Indonesia," Hurriyah (2023) highlights the interplay between political democratisation and decentralisation in how local governments shape civic space and religious minority groups respond, using the case of the Sunda Wiwitan in West Java. In "Enabling activist resilience: Bystander protection during protest crackdowns in Myanmar," Mai Van Tran's (2023) analysis reveals that even in the face of severe state-based repression, the continued survival and enthusiasm of pro-democracy activists can be bolstered by the protection of civilian bystanders who are moved by the activists' suffering and willing to undertake the risk to provide such protection.…”