Elevate faith

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