Faith-Based Advocacy and Human Rights in Indonesia: Theological Foundations for Religious Engagement in Public Justice

Abstract

Religious organizations have historically played important roles in advocating for vulnerable communities and responding to social injustice. In Indonesia, faith-based organizations participate in debates concerning poverty, human rights, environmental protection, corruption, and religious freedom. This article examines the theological foundations and legal boundaries of religious participation in human rights advocacy. Using interdisciplinary theological and normative legal analysis, the study explores religious responsibility, prophetic ethics, freedom of association, freedom of expression, and democratic participation. The article argues that religious engagement in public justice is not merely permissible but can constitute an ethical expression of theological commitments to human dignity and responsibility toward vulnerable persons. However, faith-based advocacy must also respect pluralism and avoid coercive attempts to impose sectarian norms on citizens with different beliefs. The study proposes a framework of responsible faith-based advocacy based on human dignity, solidarity, non-violence, constitutional rights, and respect for religious diversity. Such an approach allows religious organizations to remain morally engaged in public life while contributing constructively to democratic discourse. The article concludes that faith-based advocacy can serve as a bridge between theological ethics and human rights when religious conviction is translated into non-coercive advocacy for justice and the common good.