Elevate faith

I read with interest a letter by Mr. Iwan Sudarmanto several weeks ago in The Jakarta Post, regarding the subject of non- denominational faith, or Kepercayaan.

In fact, non-denominational faith probably forms the core belief of most Indonesians. A most famous illustration may be found in Clifford Geertz' description of the santri, abangan, and priyayi communities of Central Java. The latter two groups eschew strict Islamic practices in favor of their own belief systems: animistic (in the former group) and philosophical/mystical (in the latter).

Examples of Kepercayaan abound. While visiting a highland Sundanese community called Kasepuhan, I attended ceremonies which made offerings to various deities to influence rice harvests. In Javanese towns, supplications are regularly made to the local spirit dayang, during ceremonies associated with the life cycle.

My wife, a KTP Moslem, regularly practices meditation, fasts occasionally on Mondays and Thursdays in the Javanese tradition, and maintains a belief system dogmatically aligned closely with Hinduism and Buddhism.

So if perhaps a majority of Indonesians practice a form of Kepercayaan, why is this issue being discussed in the House of Representatives, as noted in Mr. Iwan's letter? The answer lies with the reality that, as a religious alternative not recognized by the government, those who practice non-denominational faiths are not guaranteed the same rights as those from established religions.

Furthermore, we live in an age where religion becomes increasingly enmeshed with political maneuvers. Established creeds feel reluctant to lose the strength of their "market share" should citizens opt not to be counted among the faithful.

Arguments for banning alcohol and short skirts, or to chastise Israel, for example, would hold far less weight if that particular majority proved to be in fact a majority made up of syncretists, mystics, animists, and agnostics.

One point Mr. Iwan makes is very clear. By allowing for and encouraging non-denominational faith, we can help strengthen Indonesian culture from internal and external disturbances. We should therefore encourage the House of Representatives to elevate the status of these deeply held traditions to their rightful place in the next state guidelines.

STEVE KRECIK

Balikpapan, East Kalimantan