JAKARTA, BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE — Indonesia has just commemorated the 80th Independence Day on Sunday, August 17, 2025. During the eighty years since the 1945 proclamation was echoed, this nation continued to stand firm as an independent state.
Until now, the long journey remains based on Pancasila and the motto of Unity in Diversity which is the glue of unity. One tangible manifestation of diversity is reflected in the religious life of its people.
Until now, the government recognizes several official religions with teachings, scriptures, and their respective holidays. Knowing the list of religions along with the commemoration of the big day not only adds insight, but also strengthens a sense of tolerance and unity in the midst of differences.
The following are various religions in Indonesia along with the Scriptures, big days, and places of worship based on information from various sources.
Religion in Indonesia
1. Islam
The entry of Islam into the archipelago is estimated to occur around the 7th to 8th century through traders who come from Arabia and Persia. Over time, the teachings of Islam continue to spread widely and are now adopted by the majority of Indonesian people. The number of adherents was recorded at more than 207 million people.
• Scriptures: Al-Quran
• Highlights: Eid al -Fitr, Eid al -Adha, New Year Hijri, Isra ‘Mi’raj
• Place of worship: Mosque
2. Catholic
Catholic religion was first known in the Maluku region through the arrival of the Portuguese who stopped by trading spices. Local residents later became the early Catholic adherents in Indonesia.
• Scriptures: Bible
• Holidays: Christmas, Easter, Agung Friday, Increase in Isa Almasih
• Place of worship: Church
3. Protestant
Protestant Christians are one of the Christian denominations born from the Martin Luther reform movement in 1517. In Indonesia, this religion was introduced by Europeans who came in the context of trade as well as the mission of the spread of the Gospel.
• Scriptures: Bible
• Holidays: Christmas, Easter, Agung Friday, Increase in Isa Almasih
• Place of worship: Church
4. Hinduism
Among the official religions in Indonesia, Hinduism has the longest historical trail. Its distribution took place since the beginning of the 4th century, brought through trade routes by the Indians and China. Evidence of Hindu existence can be seen from the establishment of the kingdoms of Kutai and Tarumanegara. Now, Bali is known as the area with the highest number of Hindu adherents.
• Scriptures: Vedas
• Holidays: Nyepi, Saraswati, Pagerwesi, Galungan, Kuningan
• Place of worship: temple
5. Buddha
Together with Hinduism, Buddhism is also the oldest teachings in Indonesia. Estimated to enter in the 5th century AD, the spread of Buddha was supported by a record of the journey of a Chinese priest named Fa Hsien. Buddhist glory in the archipelago can be seen from the establishment of the Srivijaya kingdom which even became the center of Buddhist learning in Southeast Asia until the 14th century.
• Scriptures: Tripitaka
• Holidays: Vesak, Asadha, Kathina
• Place of worship: Vihara
6. Confucianism
Confucianism began to be known in Indonesia thanks to the arrival of Chinese migrants. The traditions and moral teachings then developed in various regions. The scriptures that guide the Confucianism are the Shu and Wu Ching.
• Scriptures: Si Shu and Wu Ching
• Highlights: Chinese New Year, Cap Go Meh
• Place of Worship: Litang or Temple
