Religion in Indonesia

To truly explore religion in Indonesia, it is vital to recognize how faith and spirituality permeate every facet of Indonesian society, from daily rituals to the fabric of national identity. If you wish to experience the vibrant tapestry of spiritual life across the archipelago, begin with a travel to Indonesia and immerse yourself in its fascinating religious diversity.

Almost 90% of the population of Indonesia is Muslim, gaining the archipelago the title of largest Muslim population in a country. However, Sharia law, the Islamic law, isn’t implemented in all of Indonesia where there are 6 official religions: Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Confucianism and Buddhism.

Originally, the religion in Indonesia was animism. Over time, local beliefs blended with imported religions, and today’s Indonesian spirituality is a unique fusion known as religious syncretism. For example, Balinese Hinduism incorporates elements of animism and Buddhism, making it starkly different from Hinduism as practiced in India. On Java, the Kejawen spiritual tradition fuses Islamic teachings with Javanese mysticism and ancestral customs. In places like Sulawesi or among the Mandar tribe, Islamic rituals are mixed with indigenous ceremonies such as the makkuliwa lopi, celebrating both faith and maritime heritage. This dynamic syncretism has encouraged great tolerance and the peaceful coexistence of religions over centuries.

Many of Indonesia’s religious heritages are historical masterpieces—like the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan near Yogyakarta in Java. Whether ancient Buddhist stupas or towering Hindu shrines, these sites reflect both the region’s religious past and its pluralistic present.

Pancasila – Indonesia’s Guiding Philosophy

While the diversity of faiths is vast, Indonesia is held together by Pancasila—the five foundational precepts first derived from Buddhist philosophy and now functioning as the bedrock of national unity:

• There is only one God
• Humankind is civilized and fair
• Indonesia is united
• Democracy must be thoughtful and representative
• Social justice should be for every Indonesian citizen

Pancasila—embedded in the Indonesian Constitution and daily political discourse—forms the basis not just for governance but for the country’s remarkable interfaith dialogue. In practice, it guides government policies that foster religious harmony, emphasizing social cohesion while navigating challenges presented by occasional conservatism or intolerance.

The Main Religions in Indonesia

Islam

Islam is one of the six religions officially recognized by the State. According to the 2010 census, 87.2% of Indonesians declared themselves Muslim, making it the largest Muslim community in the world. Islam first arrived via trading networks in the 11th century AD and quickly started blending with local ancestral traditions. Even today, Muslim practices in Indonesia differ by region: in Java, orthodox practices stand alongside mystical rituals; in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Islamic festivals take on unique local color. The most significant Muslim festivals—such as Eid al-Fitr (Idul Fitri) after Ramadan—are celebrated nationwide, while localized expressions of faith can be seen in ceremonies like the Javanese Slametan, a communal meal for protection and blessing.

Hinduism

Before the rise of monotheistic religions, Indonesia was considered a Hindu-Buddhist archipelago. Hinduism, introduced by Indian traders and priests, profoundly shaped art, literature, and governance. Today, only 2% of Indonesians identify as Hindu, predominantly on Bali. Balinese Hinduism is distinct, mingling the caste system with vibrant ancestral worship and daily offerings. Festivals like Nyepi (Day of Silence) mark the Balinese New Year and transform the island into a living spiritual landscape, blending community ritual with individual reflection.

Christianity

Christianity makes up about 10% of Indonesia’s population. Brought by Portuguese Catholics in the 16th century and Dutch Protestants in the 17th, Christian faiths have since spread across the archipelago, with notable communities in Flores, Sulawesi, and Papua. The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of evangelical churches, especially among the Sino-Indonesian community. Indonesian Christianity, too, reflects syncretic influences, with local music, language, and traditions often woven into worship.

Buddhism

Indonesia’s Buddhist roots linger in both historical sites and the living practices of its Chinese-Indonesian community, as well as other ethnic groups. Buddhism—though comprising less than 1% of the population—remains officially recognized and visible in major festivals such as Waisak (Buddha’s birthday) at Borobudur Temple. Regional practices, like ancestor veneration, often combine Buddhist rituals with respect for local spirits.

Confucianism

Confucianism, recognized as an official religion, is practiced by many of Indonesia’s Chinese community. Its values of filial piety and harmony influence not only temple rites but also the broader cultural fabric, including festivals like Imlek (Chinese New Year), which blend Confucian, Buddhist, and local customs in lively public celebrations.

Animism

Animism, while not classified as an official religion, is woven through many of Indonesia’s rituals and day-to-day practices. Across the archipelago, people honor spirits, sacred mountains, and ancestral sites. In regions like Nias, Sumba, or among Dayak in Borneo, ceremonies and festivals often invoke both the power of traditional spirits and modern religious prayers. What one might consider superstition elsewhere is considered a serious—and beautiful—part of Indonesian spirituality, coloring weddings, funerals, and harvest rituals alike.

Religion in Daily Life and Society

Religion is the heartbeat of Indonesian daily life. Morning calls to prayer, evening temple offerings, and public holidays revolve around faith and tradition. In Yogyakarta, for instance, the sultan’s court hosts age-old syncretic ceremonies blending Islam, Hindu-Javanese cosmology, and royal ritual. Nationwide, interfaith marriages, communal prayers, and mixed-heritage festivals testify to the persistent spirit of tolerance and adaptation.

The pluralism of Indonesia’s religious life offers a model for peaceful coexistence, but it also requires openness and respect. At Shanti Travel, our 20 years of guiding travelers through Indonesia have taught us that understanding and appreciating this rich spiritual mosaic adds immeasurably to any journey through the archipelago.

Ready to experience this living canvas of faith for yourself? Traveling in Indonesia means stepping into a world where religion is not only practiced but lived—in ceremonies, celebrations, and the everyday customs that shape the archipelago’s unique character.