Indigenous Peoples, Religious Conversion, and the Politics of Religion in Indonesia

This study delves into the intricate relationship between political influences and religious conversion in Indonesia, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of Indigenous Peoples such as the Baduy in Banten, the Akur Sunda Wiwitan in West Java, and the Suku Anak Dalam in Jambi. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, incorporating interviews, journalistic reports, government regulations, and detailed case studies to examine how state policies and socio-political pressures contribute to the decision of these communities to convert. The findings indicate that state policies, often rooted in a narrow understanding of religious identity, exert considerable pressure on indigenous groups, prompting conversions that are frequently motivated by the need for social acceptance and political survival. This research highlights the significant role of political dynamics in shaping religious identities in Indonesia and underscores the urgent need for more inclusive and equitable policies that honor and protect the religious diversity of the nation’s indigenous populations.