Local Religion in a Majority-Dominated Society: A Study of Resiliency and Adaptation

Local religion adherents in Indonesia, are facing multidimensional challenges amidst majority domination, such as discrimination from the state and non-state actors (communities and religious organizations). This situation shows the neglect of minority rights in religion and belief. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the resilience of local religious adherents to non-affirmative state policies, social and symbolic resistance, as well as the capacity for adaptation and transformation using a case study method. The result showed that local religion adherents used coping strategies, developing culture adaptations by integrating global religion values without compromising local identity, and transforming through solidarity networks among adherents as a minority group to enhance societal welfare. These results confirmed the ability of local religion adherents to interact with, and adapt to global values, while maintaining the spirituality and integrity of the society. By developing an optimistic attitude and hope for a more just future, collective resilience through society solidarity is a necessity as an effort to maintain the beliefs rooted in the Javanese philosophy of life. In addition to broadening theoretical insights, this study provides a practical understanding of the importance of the state and wider society in developing an inclusive space for religious freedom, respecting plurality, and protecting minority rights.