Cultural Resilience and Solidarity: Adaptation Strategies of the Confucian Community in the Face of Oppression

  • Ramadhan Heri Sandria UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia
Keywords: Adaptation strategies, Confucian community, Interfaith collaboration, Minority groups, Systemic discrimination

Abstract

This study explores the adaptation strategies employed by the Confucian community in Indonesia during the New Order era in response to systemic discrimination. The aim is to examine how these strategies contributed to the preservation of their cultural and religious identity, fostered solidarity within the community, and promoted interfaith collaboration despite facing repressive government policies. A qualitative research approach was employed, including interviews with community members and key religious organisations such as MAKIN (Majelis Agama Khonghucu Indonesia) and MATAKIN (Majelis Tinggi Agama Khonghucu Indonesia), along with archival research. The study identifies three main strategies: active resistance, passive compliance, and network collaboration. Active resistance included public demonstrations and symbolic acts of defiance, while passive compliance involved adapting to discriminatory policies, such as registering as Buddhists on official documents. Network collaboration through interfaith dialogues, particularly with organisations like MAKIN, played a critical role in strengthening social bonds and garnering external support. The findings suggest that these strategies not only allowed the Confucian community to survive under oppressive conditions but also facilitated the long-term regeneration of their cultural and religious identity. The study highlights the significance of interfaith collaboration and cultural resilience in fostering solidarity among minority groups and promoting social harmony. This research contributes uniquely to the field by focusing on the experience of the Confucian community in Indonesia, a topic previously underexplored. It offers new perspectives on the role of interfaith collaboration as an adaptive strategy and provides valuable lessons for other minority groups facing discrimination. The study concludes with policy recommendations for supporting cultural preservation and enhancing inclusivity in contemporary Indonesia.

Published
2025-01-13
Section
Articles