An Analysis of Emile Durkheim’s Theory of the Sacred and the Profane in the Context of the Sociology of Religion in Modern Indonesian Society

Religion in modern Indonesian society is not only understood as a spiritual belief system, but also as a complex arena where values, symbols, and identities negotiate with the demands of the times. Phenomena such as the commodification of religious symbols, celebrity preachers, and ritualism on social media mark a shift in the role of religion from the private and sacred sphere to the public and profane domain. In this context, Emile Durkheim's theory of the sacred-profane dichotomy becomes relevant in reinterpreting Indonesia’s socio-religious dynamics. Durkheim emphasizes that religion is a social institution that plays a crucial role in maintaining collective solidarity through symbols, rites, and shared values. This study aims to examine the extent to which his theory remains applicable in explaining contemporary realities, particularly in a society increasingly fragmented by secularization, individualism, and globalization. Using a qualitative-descriptive method through literature analysis, this article finds that sacred values in Indonesian society have undergone significant transformation. The results show that although religion continues to play a cohesive role in public life, sacred values are increasingly redefined—manifesting in identity-based tensions, symbolic commodification, and political instrumentalization. The study concludes that Durkheim’s theory remains valuable but requires contextual reinterpretation to address the plural, fragmented, and evolving nature of modern religiosity in Indonesia. The dichotomy between the sacred and the profane in Emile Durkheim’s theoretical framework remains highly relevant for understanding the religious dynamics of Indonesian society, which is becoming increasingly complex and plural. In a social context shaped by modernization, mediation, and globalization, the boundaries between the sacred and the profane are no longer fixed or rigid. Contemporary religiosity in Indonesia is characterized by the emergence of religious symbols and expressions beyond conventional spaces—ranging from billboards and social media to the realms of politics and the marketplace.