Potential For Religious Exploitation of Conflict in Indonesia

Abstract

In Indonesia, the problem of inter-religious relations seriously needs attention. Conflicts that use religious sentiment mostly exploit religious diversity to hide the real intention. The exploitation of religion in the form of falsifying religious identity is used as an effort to destabilize Indonesia, and religious interpretations are used as justification for discriminating against and dominating other religious groups, which is often found in conflicts in Indonesia. Potential adversaries likely use hybrid war to break unity and trust among Indonesians, to disintegrate the Republic of Indonesia and ultimately to control Indonesia's natural resources. Cross-institutional and civil group cooperation is needed to strengthen tolerance and affirm harmony in diversity, where Indonesian people embrace mutual understanding, care for diversity, and strengthen unity between people of different religions.