Religious Diversity in Lombok: Peaceful Coexistence or Minorities at Risk?

Ethnic Sasak Sunni Muslims make up the overwhelming majority on the Indonesian island of Lombok. Balinese Hindus, who have cultural similarities with the Muslim Sasaks, make up 3%. They have a long history on the island. In 1960, a small group of Ahmadi Muslims settled in Lombok. The article explains how the Sunni majority has related to the two minority groups—seen in the light of the Indonesian national motto “Unity in diversity”. Sunnis act differently in these matters. The cordial relationship between many Sunnis and Balinese Hindus, exemplified by the common joint rituals, is contrasted with the Sunnis’ rejection of the members of the Ahmadiyya movement. The object of analysis is how to understand and explain the varying kinds of relationships among the relevant groups. The analysis is methodologically based on historical, cultural, psychological, and sociological perspectives and theories. Why do Sasak Sunnis in Lombok have more negative feelings toward the Ahmadis compared to the Hindus, even though the dogmatic differences are greater regarding the Hindus? The article also discusses possible ways of mitigating the conflicts.