Publication Search

Gender equality in the religious sphere in Indonesia is a complex phenomenon, shaped by the interaction between theological doctrines, institutional practices, and the socio-cultural context of each tradition. This study employs a qualitative-descriptive approach through literature review to analyze six major religions in Indonesia: Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Hindu Dharma, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The analysis focuses on three main dimensions: theological perspectives regarding gender roles and positions, social changes influencing gender relations, and transformations in institutional structures and practices that support gender equality. The findings indicate that historically, women were often placed in subordinate positions due to patriarchal norms, although the core teachings of these religions contain egalitarian principles and recognition of women’s dignity. Contemporary transformations are reflected in the reinterpretation of religious texts and practices that promote gender equality: Catholicism emphasizes the recognition of women’s dignity within the clerical hierarchy; Protestantism opens opportunities for the ordination of female pastors; Islam reinterprets the principles of Qawwamun and family law rights; Balinese Hindu Dharma adjusts women’s roles in rituals and public spheres; Buddhism revives the bhikkhuni order within the sangha; and Confucianism modernizes the interpretation of Wu Lun and San Cong to emphasize mutual responsibilities between husband and wife. In conclusion, despite persistent patriarchal challenges, this study affirms that religion has the potential to act as an agent of social transformation promoting gender equality while maintaining the moral, spiritual, and traditional values distinctive to each tradition. These findings contribute significantly to academic literature, interfaith dialogue, and the development of more gender-inclusive policies.

The tradition of mohataman Al-Qur'an is one of the religious practices that is alive and thriving among Indonesian Muslims, especially during Ramadan in preparation for Eid al-Fitr. In Kampung Pos Sentul, this tradition is carried out collectively by the community as a form of gratitude for the completion of fasting and as a means of strengthening Islamic brotherhood. This study aims to examine the tradition of mohataman Al-Qur'an from the perspective of living hadith, which is to see how the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad is understood, internalized, and manifested in the social-religious practices of the community. The research method used is qualitative with a descriptive approach, through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study show that the tradition of mohataman Al-Qur'an is based on the community's understanding of the hadiths about the virtues of reading the Qur'an, the encouragement to increase acts of worship during Ramadan, and the importance of togetherness in doing good. This tradition is not only ritualistic in nature, but also has social, educational, and spiritual dimensions that strengthen the religious identity of the Pos Sentul Village community. Thus, mohataman Al-Qur'an can be understood as a form of actualization of hadith in real life that continues to live on and is passed down from generation to generation.

This study is entitled “The Ecofeminist Movement of Mollo Indigenous Women in Rejecting Marble Mining (study: Rejection of Marble Mining in Fatumnasi Village, South Central Timor Regency)” which aims to understand and analyze the ecofeminist movement carried out by Mollo indigenous women in rejecting marble mining activities in Fatumnasi Village. The presence of marble mining in the Mollo indigenous area has posed a threat to Environmental sustainability, water sources, and cultural values that have long been the identity of the community. Through a descriptive qualitative approach, this study describes the role and form of resistance of Mollo indigenous women based on the ecological relationship between women and nature. Data were obtained through in-diepah interviews, field observations, and documentation of the head of Fatumnasi Village, traditional women’s figures, religious figures, community leaders, and youth leaders. The results of the study indicate that the movement to reject marble mining is not merely a form of protest against environmental damage, but also a form of ecofeminist awareness that emphasizes that women’s bodies and the body of nature are an inseparable whole. This movement is expressed through various acts of resistance such as traditional rituals, weaving, demonstrations, and customary deliberations, each carrying symbolic meaning about the harmony between humans and nature. Based on Françoise d’Eaubonne’s theory of ecofeminism, the Mollo women’s movement reflects critical awareness toward patriarchal and capitalist systems that exploit both women and the environment. Thus, it can be concluded that the ecofeminist movement of Mollo indigenous women in rejecting marble mining is a form of women’s struggle to maintain environmental sustainability and maintain cultural identity through loclah wisdom practices.Ecofeminism, Mollo Indigenous Women, Marble Mining, Fatumnasi Village, Environment

This study explores the Village Cross as a symbol of inculturation, integrating Catholic faith with the Nosu Minu Podi ritual in Dusun Perintis, Balai Sebut Village, Sanggau Regency. Nosu Minu Podi, a post-harvest rice ritual, originally centered on the ancestral statue (Pantak) as the main focus of worship. The introduction of Catholicism led to a symbolic transformation, replacing the Pantak with the Village Cross while maintaining ancestral values and harmonizing them with Catholic practices. This research uses a qualitative approach combining ethnography and contextual theology. Data were collected through participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, and field documentation. Findings reveal that the Village Cross serves dual functions: as a religious symbol affirming God’s presence and spiritual protection, and as a marker of social and cultural identity. This transformation strengthens community solidarity, preserves traditional practices, and provides a medium for faith formation among youth. The study highlights that inculturation enables the integration of local traditions with religious teachings, creating space for contextual, inclusive, and practical pastoral approaches. It contributes to scholarly understanding of the interplay between religion, culture, and community identity, emphasizing the enduring relevance of local wisdom in contemporary religious practice.

This article discusses the application of service learning as an educational approach that supports the preservation of cultural heritage and the strengthening of sustainable tourism in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As one of the most important Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia, Batu Caves has become a symbol of cultural diversity and interreligious harmony. However, increased tourism activity has brought about various problems, such as environmental pollution, waste management issues, and the erosion of cultural values among visitors. To address these challenges, service-learning programs integrate academic theory with direct participation in the community, allowing students to actively engage in environmental conservation, cultural documentation, and the development of public education initiatives. Thru collaboration with temple managers, local communities, and tourists, students applied management concepts in real-world situations, including cleaning activities, maintaining tourist areas, developing educational materials on eco-tourism, and preserving traditional rituals thru cultural archiving. The implementation of this service learning not only enriches students' learning experiences but also raises public awareness about the importance of preserving Batu Caves as a sustainable cultural heritage site. Overall, this project demonstrates that service learning is a transformative pedagogical approach that connects academic goals with community development and cultivates future leaders who are socially responsible and culturally sensitive.

This study aims to analyze Article 445 paragraph (1) of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) Number 1 of 2023, which regulates the criminal act of eloping with a young woman. The provision is considered to be in tension with the social and cultural realities of Indonesian society, particularly the people of Lombok who practice the merariq tradition. Merariq is an ancestral customary practice within marriage rituals involving the consensual elopement of the prospective bride as an integral part of the marriage process. This research uses Lawrence M. Friedman’s legal system theory, which examines three main components of law: (1) the substance of law—normative provisions contained in legislation; (2) the structure of law institutions and law enforcement agencies; and (3) the legal culture values, attitudes, and behavior of society toward law. This study is a normative legal research that treats law as norms, principles, doctrines, and rules. The primary legal material is Article 445 paragraph (1) of the Indonesian Criminal Code. The findings indicate that, from the perspective of legal substance, the article remains ambiguous. Its formulation potentially conflicts with Indonesia’s legal culture, which in practice prioritizes familial and traditional mechanisms for resolving private conflicts. Based on these findings, this study recommends a reformulation of the legal substance to make it more responsive to the socio-cultural context. The reformulation should be grounded in the principles of ultimum remedium and restorative justice, providing space for customary law and local culture as legitimate mechanisms to resolve private disputes. This approach is expected to reduce the disproportionate use of imprisonment and position criminal sanctions as a last resort in law enforcement.

This research is based on the awareness that music functions both as an artistic expression and as a cosmological representation embedded within the cultural structures of traditional societies. The Siwaluh Jabu traditional house in Lingga Village, North Sumatra, was selected as the object of study to examine the relationship between music and the cosmological views of the Karo people. The purpose of this study is to reveal the meaning of music within cultural practices and rituals carried out in the Siwaluh Jabu House, as well as to explore musical elements that reflect the continuity between humans, ancestors, and the universe. This research employs a qualitative approach, with data collected through literature review, participatory observation, and interviews with traditional leaders and local artists. The data analysis was conducted through data reduction, classification, data presentation, and drawing of conclusion. The results of the study show that music both the vocal mantra “ole…ah…ole” and the Gendang Lima Sendalanen ensemble contains symbolic values that interpret wood as a natural element, sustain social connections between groups, and reinforce the social system embedded in the spatial organization of the Siwaluh Jabu traditional house. Music serves as a medium of spiritual and cultural communication that unites the physical and metaphysical dimensions of life. The implications of this research enrich the perspective of music culture and emphasize the importance of preserving traditional music as a local knowledge system integrated with the cosmology of the Karo people.

This research analyzes the dynamics of hegemony and resistance in the Lio indigenous community of Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, focusing on the power practices of mosalaki (traditional elites) and the forms of hidden resistance developed by farming communities. Using an ethnographic approach over four months in Keliwumbu Village, this study combines Antonio Gramsci's concept of hegemony with James Scott's theory of hidden transcripts to understand the complexity of power relations in traditional societies experiencing economic transformation. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with 18 informants, and document analysis, then analyzed using a thematic approach. Findings indicate that the legitimacy of mosalaki power is constructed through three main pillars: genealogical narratives derived from the myths of Lepe and Mbusu, control over customary land encompassing 70% of agricultural land, and ritual authority positioning them as intermediaries with ata mate (ancestral spirits). Hegemonic practices operate through the pire system (customary prohibitions), mandatory nggua rituals requiring offerings, and control over decision-making as evidenced in the coal-fired power plant construction case. However, farming communities have developed hidden resistance in the form of subtle sabotage, passive non-compliance, gossip and informal criticism, and exit strategies through migration and purchase of alternative land. This resistance operates within the same cultural framework as the hegemony it contests, developing alternative interpretations of "true custom" rather than rejecting the traditional system entirely. This research contributes to theoretical understanding of hegemony in non-Western societies and reveals that "local wisdom" discourse can be manipulated to perpetuate structural inequality. Practically, these findings demonstrate the need for more critical approaches in development policies that accommodate internal power dynamics of indigenous communities to prevent reinforcement of local elite domination

The Kaharingan Hindu community represents an indigenous Dayak group residing in Central Kalimantan, distributed across fourteen districts and municipalities. One of these communities is located in Parit Village, Cempaga Hulu Subdistrict, East Kotawaringin Regency. Following its integration into Hinduism in 1980, various forms of religious guidance have been implemented; however, these efforts have not been fully optimal due to the vast geographical conditions of Central Kalimantan. This community service program conducted in Parit Village aims to strengthen the community’s śraddhā (faith) and jñāna (knowledge and understanding) of Hindu teachings. The program employed an outreach and educational approach focused on reinforcing the fundamental principles of Hinduism. Its implementation involved collaborative engagement with several partners, including the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (East Kotawaringin Office), the Kaharingan Hindu Council of Parit Village, and the active participation of the local Hindu community. The results indicate that many community members still lack comprehensive understanding of Hindu doctrines, partly due to limited access to sacred texts. Through the outreach activities, participants demonstrated improved comprehension of basic Hindu teachings, as evidenced by their ability to articulate and elaborate on the materials presented during the discussions.

This study aims to describe the process of implementing the Kuru We Fohon Ceremony and to describe the deep meaning contained in the Ritual. The method in this study uses a qualitative method. This Qualitative Approach also aims to gain understanding and describe a complex reality. In qualitative, this research procedure produces descriptive data in the form of written or spoken words based on the behavior of the object being studied. The results of the study are in the form of the first planning stage: the tribal chief will gather all Lulik Atan to plan when the Kuru We Fohon Tradition (taking sacred water) will be carried out. While the implementation stage includes Halaku We Fohon (Renewal) by the tribal chief and other traditional leaders, Kuru We Fohon (Taking Sacred Water) by the tribal chief and brought by one of the traditional leaders into the traditional house, Hatama We Fohon (Giving Entering Sacred Water) the officer who brings the Sacred Water into the traditional house. in the final stage, sprinkling the traditional house using sacred water and distributing Betel Nut (mama rai) to all the Nonot Forenain tribal people. The Kuru We Fohon ritual is deeply sacred, encompassing respect for ancestors and seeking their blessings. This ritual serves not only as a means of strengthening the relationship between ancestors and humans, but also as a means of strengthening cultural values. It teaches the importance of mutual cooperation, courtesy, and morality in social life.  

This study aims to explore the symbolic meaning of the siraman ceremony in Javanese culture and interpret its values ​​in light of the Catholic faith, particularly regarding the sanctity and blessings of the sacrament of marriage. The siraman tradition is understood not merely as a cultural ritual, but as a process of physical and spiritual purification imbued with spiritual symbolism, such as the use of water from seven springs and the granting of parental blessings. This study uses a qualitative approach with a literature review method through analysis of Church documents, Javanese anthropological literature, and relevant research. The results indicate that the meaning of purification in siraman is closely related to the symbolism of baptismal water in the Catholic tradition, while the prayer of parental blessing aligns with the concept of blessing as a manifestation of God's grace in the family. Through the inculturation perspective emphasized in Gaudium et Spes and Ecclesia in Asia, siraman can be understood as a form of harmonious dialogue between faith and culture without compromising the purity of Church teachings. This study concludes that the siraman ceremony can enrich the experience of the sacrament of marriage for Javanese Catholics, while strengthening their identity as individuals of faith and culture.

Environmental ethics assumes that nature has human values ​​that must be respected. Various forms of embedding can be done, such as the traditional Cingcowong ceremony. The Cingcowong tradition is a traditional ritual originating from the agricultural community of Luragung Landeuh Village, Kuningan Regency. This tradition is a form of collective community activity that is based on belief in supernatural spirits who are believed to have the power to bring rain to overcome drought, especially on agricultural land caused by prolonged drought. Cingcowong reflects the close relationship between culture, nature, and spiritual practices in certain societies. In the context of environmental ethics, this tradition can be seen as a form of local wisdom that shows respect for nature, an understanding of the importance of ecosystem balance, and an awareness of human dependence on weather conditions. Therefore, this tradition can be considered as a concrete manifestation of environmental ethics that encourages humans to appreciate nature more and understand the interaction between spiritual, cultural, and environmental factors.

This article discusses the leva mass in Lamalera as one of the examples of the inculturation of the Catholic faith in local culture on the island of Lembata, East Nusa Tenggara. Inculturation is understood as a process of encounter between faith and culture, so that the proclamation of the gospel can be deeply lived in the context of the life of the local people. Through the leva mass, cultural elements such as sea symbols, boats (tena), traditional dances, traditional clothing, and regional songs are harmoniously integrated into the liturgy of the Catholic Church. For the Lamalera community, the sea is not only a source of livelihood, but a symbol of God's presence and power that blesses and protects human life. The celebration of the Mass emphasizes that God is present not only in the church building, but also in every aspect of human life, including work. The Leva Mass can also strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity, and the responsibility of the people towards His created nature. The people learn to be grateful for marine products, respect the environment, and work with the spirit of love and sacrifice. Thus, the leva mass is not just a religious ritual, but also a faith and cultural education that helps the people in understanding their call to live in harmony with nature and the will of God. Through the Mass of Leva, the Church in Lamalera portrays the living face of faith, the source of the gospel but rooted in the local culture.

This study examines how Christian marriage is represented in the modern era through theological, symbolic, and contextual perspectives. Although Christian marriage is traditionally understood as a sacred covenant emphasizing unity, fidelity, and permanence, contemporary social realities reveal shifts in how Christians interpret and express marital life. Economic pressures, evolving family roles, digital communication patterns, and cultural influences shape the modern experience of marriage. Using a descriptive qualitative approach through literature-based research, this study analyzes the theological foundations, ritual symbols, and contextual factors that influence changes in the representation of Christian marriage today. The findings indicate that while the core theological essence of Christian marriage remains, its practical expressions undergo adaptation to remain relevant within modern life. Symbols such as wedding rings, marital vows, and liturgical blessings continue to convey theological meaning, while premarital education and pastoral support play a crucial role in strengthening marital stability. The study highlights the need for a contextual and integrative ecclesial approach that responds to the realities faced by Christian couples in contemporary society.    

The Tungku Bokong ritual is a traditional practice of the Manggarai people found in Reok and West Reok Districts, Manggarai Regency. This study aims to analyze the soteriological concept within the ritual, focusing specifically on its implementation in West Reok District. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with customary leaders and a review of relevant literature. The findings reveal that Tungku Bokong literally means “reconnecting the provision (blessing),” referring to an effort to restore the flow of blessings believed to have been disrupted an interruption that is thought to cause life problems such as illness, misfortune, or nightmares. The uniqueness of this ritual lies in its understanding that suffering and life difficulties can become a gateway to blessings or restoration. The central questions guiding this research are how the Tungku Bokong ritual is regarded as an act of attaining salvation for an individual, and what meaning it holds for the people of West Reok District. The study shows that the salvation gained through this ritual is not only material but also involves the restoration of relationships with ancestors and the Creator (Mori Kraeng). Meanwhile, suffering and various life challenges are understood as consequences of a disrupted blessing and as a means of awakening individuals to return to a balanced life.

This service activity discusses strengthening the fifth pillar of Islam, namely the Hajj. This service aims to increase the understanding, knowledge and competence of Al-Qur'an Education Park (TPQ) teachers at the Serang City Al-Qur'an Educator and Sakinah Family Coordinating Board (BKPAKSI) in Serang City regarding Hajj Manasik. This service methodology goes through a preliminary survey stage to find out the location that will be used as the location for the Hajj ritual training and training. then observe or carry out activities involving 25 TPQ teachers. This service activity was carried out at Wisma Haji (KBIHU) Mulyajati Cikole, Pandeglang Regency. The Hajj Manasik training for TPQ teachers went smoothly according to plan.  Material and practice of Hajj rituals delivered by Hajj and Umrah supervisors from KBIHU Mulyajati. By implementing this practical training on Hajj rituals, the PkM team hopes that TPQ teachers as educators can transfer their knowledge of Hajj rituals to their students properly and correctly so that the students will love the Kaaba and the Prophet Muhammad more.

This study aims to analyze the formative influence of pre-Buddhist Indian culture on the development of social values within early Buddhist society. Prior to the emergence of Buddhism in the 6th century BCE, Indian civilization had already evolved a complex cultural and philosophical landscape characterized by the varṇa (caste) hierarchy, Vedic ritualism, and the metaphysical doctrines of the Upaniṣads concerning karma, saṃsāra, and mokṣa. Employing a qualitative library research method, this study draws on secondary historical and sociological literature as well as primary Buddhist scriptures from the Sutta Pitaka (Pali Text Society edition). The analysis identifies three major cultural elements Brahmanical ritualism, the doctrine of rebirth and moral causation, and the śramaṇa ascetic movements that provided both the context and the dialectical counterpoint to the rise of Buddhism. The findings reveal that the Buddha’s teaching emerged as a moral and philosophical critique of the Vedic worldview, rejecting hereditary privilege and ritual exclusivity in favor of ethical conduct (sīla), mental cultivation (bhāvanā), and compassionate social responsibility (mettā–karuṇā). Through this transformation, Buddhism redefined human worth based on moral action (kamma), rather than lineage or social status, thus creating an egalitarian and ethically grounded social order. Understanding the pre-Buddhist cultural background offers deeper insight into the sociological, philosophical, and ethical dimensions of early Buddhist thought and highlights its continuing relevance for contemporary discussions on social justice, equality, and interreligious harmony.

This study analyzes the implementation of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) principles in the 'Nusa Loe' program in Biting Village, East Manggarai. The ABCD approach emphasizes utilizing local assets such as social networks, cultural traditions, natural resources, and human skills as the foundation for sustainable development and community independence. The program begins with an asset mapping activity led by the community, enabling the identification of the village's strengths from five key aspects: human, social, natural, institutional, and cultural assets. Through active participation, the community designs and implements development activities based on local potentials, replacing the conventional development paradigm that focuses on deficiencies and needs. The qualitative research approach employs in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and data triangulation to understand the shifts in mindset and community empowerment. The findings show that the implementation of ABCD successfully transformed the community's mindset, previously dependent on external aid, into a more independent and self-confident one. For example, Mr. Petrus, who improved the economic value of local coffee products after attending a coffee roasting training, and Mrs. Maria, who emphasized the importance of social capital and solidarity in supporting the sustainability of village businesses. The strengthening of cultural assets and local traditions, such as the Caci dance and customary rituals, was also integrated into the village's development plans and institutional management. The 'Nusa Loe' program demonstrates that asset-based empowerment can build a self-reliant, innovative, and sustainable village in the face of development challenges.

This study explores the transformation of traditional worship values within the Klon tribe community in Alor, East Nusa Tenggara. Prior to their conversion to Christianity, the community practiced a religious system centered on mesbah (stone altars) where they worshiped ancestral spirits and local deities. The introduction of Christianity through inculturation led to a significant shift in worship practices, transitioning from rituals at the mesbah to those at the church pulpit. However, rather than losing their spiritual and communal values, these traditions adapted and were integrated into Christian practices. The study highlights how elements of local wisdom were preserved and transformed, creating a bridge between indigenous beliefs and Christian teachings. This transformation demonstrates that the core values of worship such as reverence for ancestors and community solidarity continued to play a role in the newly adopted Christian practices. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of understanding such cultural transformations, especially in the context of Christian Religious Education. It suggests that contextualizing religious teachings within local traditions and wisdom can foster a deeper, more meaningful connection to faith for communities undergoing cultural change. By valuing these local traditions, Christian Religious Education can become more relevant and impactful, encouraging a harmonious blending of old and new beliefs.

. This research aims to analyze the values of Islamic education that are internalized in the aesthetics and spiritual dimension of Sufi dance, especially in the Sema ritual. In the Islamic view, art is not only an expression of beauty, but also a means of da'wah and a manifestation of love for Allah the Most Beautiful (Al-Jamīl). Using the descriptive qualitative literature study method, this study examines the symbolic and spiritual meanings contained in each element of Sema. The results of the analysis show that Sema is a dynamic form of dhikr that is firmly rooted in the Sufism tradition, oriented towards the purification of monotheism, and the process of purification of the soul (tazkiyatun nafs). Aesthetic elements such as hirkah, tennure, and sikke costumes have a deep symbolism about ego release (fana'), while the rotating movement symbolizes a spiritual journey (suluk) towards oneness with God. Pedagogically, Sufi Dance contains the essential values of Islamic education, such as spiritual calmness, love, patience, and sincerity, which can be used as a holistic learning model to form the awareness of monotheism and spirituality of modern humans. This research confirms that spiritual arts such as Sema have significant relevance in contemporary Islamic education as a medium for internalizing transcendental values.