Religious Minorities and Justice: Legal and Theological Perspectives on Religious Freedom in Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, but it also has significant religious minority communities, including Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and indigenous faiths. This paper examines the intersection of legal frameworks and theological perspectives in promoting or hindering religious freedom for minorities in Indonesia. It explores the challenges faced by religious minorities, particularly in areas where religious intolerance and discrimination are prevalent. The paper analyzes Indonesia's constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, alongside religious teachings that either support or oppose the equal treatment of non-Muslim communities. Theological interpretations of justice within Islam, Christianity, and other religions are examined to understand how they influence both the legal system and public attitudes toward religious minorities. The study argues that while Indonesia’s legal framework nominally supports religious freedom, its implementation is often inconsistent, and minority communities continue to face obstacles to practicing their faith freely. The paper also explores how religious communities, including Muslim groups, can advocate for the rights of religious minorities through theological discourses on justice, equality, and human dignity. Recommendations include strengthening legal protections for religious minorities, fostering interfaith dialogue, and promoting inclusive theological education that emphasizes religious tolerance and coexistence.