Elevate faith<\/p>\n
I read with interest a letter by Mr. Iwan Sudarmanto several
\nweeks ago in The Jakarta Post, regarding the subject of non-
\ndenominational faith, or Kepercayaan.<\/p>\n
In fact, non-denominational faith probably forms the core
\nbelief of most Indonesians. A most famous illustration may be
\nfound in Clifford Geertz' description of the santri, abangan, and
\npriyayi communities of Central Java. The latter two groups eschew
\nstrict Islamic practices in favor of their own belief systems:
\nanimistic (in the former group) and philosophical\/mystical (in
\nthe latter).<\/p>\n
Examples of Kepercayaan abound. While visiting a highland
\nSundanese community called Kasepuhan, I attended ceremonies which
\nmade offerings to various deities to influence rice harvests. In
\nJavanese towns, supplications are regularly made to the local
\nspirit dayang, during ceremonies associated with the life cycle.<\/p>\n
My wife, a KTP Moslem, regularly practices meditation, fasts
\noccasionally on Mondays and Thursdays in the Javanese tradition,
\nand maintains a belief system dogmatically aligned closely with
\nHinduism and Buddhism.<\/p>\n
So if perhaps a majority of Indonesians practice a form of
\nKepercayaan, why is this issue being discussed in the House of
\nRepresentatives, as noted in Mr. Iwan's letter? The answer lies
\nwith the reality that, as a religious alternative not recognized
\nby the government, those who practice non-denominational faiths
\nare not guaranteed the same rights as those from established
\nreligions.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, we live in an age where religion becomes
\nincreasingly enmeshed with political maneuvers. Established
\ncreeds feel reluctant to lose the strength of their \"market
\nshare\" should citizens opt not to be counted among the faithful.<\/p>\n
Arguments for banning alcohol and short skirts, or to chastise
\nIsrael, for example, would hold far less weight if that
\nparticular majority proved to be in fact a majority made up of
\nsyncretists, mystics, animists, and agnostics.<\/p>\n
One point Mr. Iwan makes is very clear. By allowing for and
\nencouraging non-denominational faith, we can help strengthen
\nIndonesian culture from internal and external disturbances. We
\nshould therefore encourage the House of Representatives to
\nelevate the status of these deeply held traditions to their
\nrightful place in the next state guidelines.<\/p>\n
STEVE KRECIK<\/p>\n
Balikpapan, East Kalimantan<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/elevate-faith-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }