Tag: Indonesia

Opinion

Religious Studies and the Logic of Diversity in Indonesia (Part 2)

Ustadi Hamsah

(The second of two articles)

In the academic context, Muslim institutions have made significant contributions to fostering harmony and cooperation within the Indonesian nation. Notably, the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) and the State Islamic University (UIN) have played essential roles across Indonesia. These institutions prioritize studies on diversity, both religious and socio-cultural, particularly through the Department of Religious Studies, formerly known as Comparative Religion. This department focuses on various issues related to diversity and conflict resolution. By emphasizing methodological rigor and comprehensive cross-disciplinary analysis, the Religious Studies examines issues from a variety of perspectives derived from social sciences, humanities, and Islamic texts, all viewed holistically.

Religious Studies and Multiculturalism

The Religious Studies is crucial for understanding the logical reasoning behind the diversity in Indonesia. This is primarily because the Religious Studies examines various religious, Islamic, and Indonesian discourses from a comprehensive, holistic, objective, and interdisciplinary perspective. However, this is not the only reason; there are several theoretical issues addressed in the Religious Studies. One key aspect is the understanding that human actions do not stem from "empty consciousness," but rather originate from an "idea" embedded in consciousness, which Michel Foucault refers to as episteme (Foucault, The Archaeology of Knowledge, 1972). Additionally, Peter L. Berger argues that one of the most profound influences on human attitudes and actions is religious consciousness (Berger and Thomas Luckmann in The Social Construction of Reality, 1991). Therefore, any explanation of these phenomena should begin with this foundational understanding. The Religious Studies, through its studies in the Philosophy of Religion, Sociology of Religion, Phenomenology of Religion, Psychology of Religion, History of Religion, and Anthropology of Religion, as well as the study of the Qur'an and Hadith, endeavors to explore the roots of human actions from various specific approaches.

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Opinion

Religious Studies and the Logic of Diversity in Indonesia (Part 1)

Ustadi Hamsah

(The first of two articles)

Indonesia, often referred to by its cultural name, Nusantara, describes a vast region situated between two oceans and two continents, specifically in Southeast Asia. This term highlights the diversity of various ethnic groups, religions, cultures, and customs that coexist with a common purpose. The notion of unity in diversity is encapsulated in the words of Mpu Tantular, who, in his work Sutasoma (1370 AD), famously stated, "bhinneka tunggal ika tan hana dharma magrwa," which translates to "diverse but united; no power can weaken it." This concept predates the motto "e pluribus unum" (out of many, one) found on the Great Seal of the United States, which was created by Charles Thomson in 1732 AD. However, Mpu Tantular's depiction of diversity is still more recent than the narratives of diversity expressed in the Qur'an, dating back to the 7th century AD.

The Symbolism of Diversity in Noah's Ark

Given Indonesia’s highly diverse and complex background, one might initially imagine a “chaotic,” “crowded,” and utterly disordered society. However, this is far from the reality found in the archipelago. On the contrary, what emerges is a harmonious life, rich in the spirit of mutual cooperation (gotong royong), and far from hostile attitudes in the face of differences, all embodied in the spirit of bhinneka tunggal ika (unity in diversity). This social condition resonates with the Qur’anic description of the atmosphere aboard “Noah’s Ark” (safinah Nuḥ)

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