Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country, yet it is also characterized by a rich tapestry of religious diversity, with significant populations of Catholics, Protestants, Hindus, and Buddhists. What makes Indonesia unique is that, despite the national majority being Muslim, certain regions are dominated by other religious groups. For instance, Bali stands out for its distinct religious landscape, where the majority of the population practices Hinduism. The island is also home to other religious communities, including Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, and Buddhists, reflecting the broader pluralism of the nation.
The presence of religious buildings, both from a historical and contemporary perspectives, highlights the religious diversity and co-existence within a country. These structures often reflect the intricate fabric of religious plurality that has shaped the nation’s identity and are celebrated as an integral part of its national heritage.
Sandya is a documentary produced by young Indonesian people on the religious diversity and coexistence in the country.
After watching this film, here are a few questions for reflection to explore diversity:
- How is religious diversity expressed through religious buildings? What are the limitations to exploring diversity through such buildings
- In what ways can the narratives in this film inspire initiatives to explore the diversity within your own local community?
Interfaith Dialogue in Indonesia
Interfaith dialogue creates a space for individuals of diverse faiths to engage with and learn from each other’s cultures and beliefs. In this video story, music becomes a bridge for young people to connect, sharing joy, overcoming differences, and fostering mutual understanding as a powerful starting point for interfaith dialogue.
Tolerance in the Family
Interfaith respect goes beyond being a societal goal, it often begins in the closest and most personal space: the family. Particularly, in households where members embrace different faiths, mutual respect is practiced every day and stands as a meaningful expression of love that transcends traditions. This film highlights a mother and daughter who different faiths. Rather than allowing their differences to create distance, they choose to honor and celebrate each other’s religious beliefs.
Additional Resources
Explore our video stories available in different languages, or browse the For Educators page for helpful teaching resources on diversity and related topics.
Related Resources
Find digital tools produced in cooperation with partners and researchers from different regions.
