The existence of local religion adherents amidst a majority population is marked by structural and cultural rejection. This condition highlights fundamental issues surrounding freedom of religion and belief in Indonesia. This study aims to explore the experiences of local religion adherents in confronting structural and cultural resistance from an emic perspective, situating local religions within the broader academic discourse on the interaction between local wisdom and global religions. The participants consist of 11 adherents of local religions affiliated with Majelis Luhur Kepercayaan Indonesia (MLKI), an organization that supports followers of local religions and indigenous beliefs throughout Indonesia. Using a qualitative case study approach, this research combines observations, interviews, regulatory and literature reviews to provide a holistic understanding through an interdisciplinary analytical framework. Findings reveal that local religion adherents negotiate global religious values, which often conflict with local values, and develop adaptive cultural practices to sustain their existence. These findings show that resistance is linked to both individual resilience and group survival strategies as communities adapt to societal changes. The study contributes not only to theoretical understanding but also offers practical insights for policymakers in designing inclusive interventions to foster social harmony between minority and majority groups.
Haryati et al. (Mon,) studied this question.