Background
Christianity in Indonesia is much more ancient than most people understand. Although the nation is overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim today, Christianity has been among the archipelago’s various belief systems since the early centuries of the Common Era. This religion has undergone periods of peace and persecution over the centuries, involving foreign travelers, native peoples, and many other influences. Though it is often ignored or forgotten, a closer look reveals Christianity’s significance in Indonesian history and the lifestyle of its people today.
Early Portuguese Influence
The earliest Christian presence in Indonesia dates back to the early 16th century, when a number of Portuguese vessels and their crews visited South Sulawesi. According to local oral tradition, some of the travelers decided to pledge allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church, and the Portuguese crown, who looked to expand its colonial empire. Priests were taken along the vessels to spread the religious teachings, and some local populations began to convert. Significant churches were built, leading to an export of Christianity.
Dutch Reformation
Christianity was not the only religion to become established in Indonesia during the colonial period. In fact, during the Dutch Reformation of the 19th and early 20th centuries in the Netherlands, Protestant churches became increasingly prominent in Indonesia. This was mainly due to Dutch missionary activity, with churches being constructed in many colonial-era areas, including in Java and Sumatra. The Dutch were seen to be stricter in their approach to proselytism and demanded conversions as a means of legitimizing their rule.
Indonesian Independence and the Growth of Christianity
From 1945, Indonesia entered its period of independence from the Netherlands, and a number of new religious streams emerged, including Protestantism, Catholicism, Islam, and Hinduism. Christianity experienced rapid growth, becoming an increasingly important spiritual force. The nation gained a large number of churches and an increase in the number of believers, to the extent that it is calculated that about eight percent of the population today is Christian.
Modern Orthodoxy
Modern Indonesian Christianity is marked by a wide variety of influences from around the world. Orthodoxy is a prominent religious trend, with the Eastern Orthodox Church being very popular in the archipelago. This includes the Catholic Churches that comprise the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, based in India and France.
On a day-to-day basis, Christianity in Indonesia is mostly regulated through local churches, headed by priests and other clergy members. These churches operate independently from the government and provide spiritual guidance to its parishioners.
Sacred Sites and Controversy
The Indonesian Christian population have established numerous sacred sites and places of pilgrimage throughout the archipelago. This includes a number of Christian shrines, which are often found on or near the coast or near water sources. Some very famous shrines, such as the Shrine of the Virgin Mary of the Rosario, located in South Sulawesi, attract thousands of pilgrims every year. Although these sites are visited by many different sects, they often remain controversial in the Indonesian national context, due to the long history of Islam and the modern presence of Muslim fundamentalism.
Challenges Faced By Indonesian Christians
In present times, the Indonesian Christian population faces numerous challenges. A major issue for local Christians is the struggle for recognition in a country where the majority adhere to the Islamic faith. This often leads to discrimination and distancing from social and economic opportunities. Furthermore, local churches are pressured to conform to state guidelines and regulations, which can be imposed as a means of exclusion.
Celebrations, Tradition and Music
Despite the challenges, Christianity in Indonesia has experienced a number of positive developments and made some significant social contributions. The people living in this archipelago have developed a distinct set of cultural practices and festivals, celebrated in a kind of Indonesian Christian community that helps strengthen the community’s identity. These customs also include traditional music and dance, unique to the area, as well adapted versions of hymns and worship songs.
Indonesian Christians in the Global Arena
The Indonesian Christian population has also made some important contributions in the international arena. Many individuals and churches have sent out missionaries to other parts of the world and helped establish Christianity in areas where the religion was not initially present. Churches in Indonesia have also established partnerships and dialogues with churches in other parts of the world, pushing the boundaries of theological and diplomatic exchanges.
Supportive role of the Government
In recent years, the government of Indonesia has been very supportive of the Christian faith and its contribution to the country’s culture. The government has given funding for projects to help build churches and provide resources for Christian minorities, who are often excluded from social and economic opportunities. Furthermore, the government has taken measures to ensure that places of worship are respected and protected against any acts of discrimination or violence.
Conservative Views on Indonesian Christianity
On a everyday level, there are also a number of conservative views towards Christianity in Indonesia. Many view it as a foreign import and potential threat to traditional values and religious purity. On the other hand, a growing number of young people are beginning to re-embrace the religion and take pleasure in the diversity of interpretations it offers.
Conclusion of Indonesian Christianity
The history of Christianity in Indonesia is complex, but it is has remained a consistent force among the archipelago’s many religions over the years. The faith has experienced both periods of persecution and flourishing, and continues to make essential contributions to the nation’s culture and spirit. Going forward, it is important to maintain this diversity to ensure that the nation’s various belief systems are respected and protected.
