Session Name: Out of the Shadows: Reclaiming Religious Space for Marginalised Communities
1 - Agency as Submission: Faith, Spirituality and Religion in Contemporary Indonesia
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
11:15 – 13:00 (GMT+7)
Presentation Abstract Based on ethnographic research, this paper explores the everyday realities of individuals navigating the complex interplay of gender, sexuality, and religion in Indonesia, the largest Muslim-majority nation and the fourth most populous country in the world. Through semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and media analysis, the study examines the intricate relationships between personal identity and religious beliefs, especially within the context of progressive Indonesian Islam and Islam Nusantara. It investigates how individuals construct their identities in daily life through interactions with family, educational settings, media, and peers. Drawing upon the concept of 'agency' as a modality of action, the study reveals how personal practices contribute to the formation of religiously informed systems of personal empowerment. The findings highlight the essential support role that faith plays in offering emotional resilience, guidance, and community support.
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