Emic Analysis Towards Penghayat Kepercayaan Dynamics in the Democratic Era

Department of Communication, Bina Nusantara University, Jalan Kebon Jeruk Raya No.27, Jakarta 11530

^* Corresponding author: gayesmahestu@binus.ac.id

Abstract

This paper tries to examine the qualitative reality about current of belief “Penghayat Kepercayaan” dynamics in the Democratic Era. Penghayat Kepercayaan is a name for non-religious society or some people called as Agama Asli Nusantara. Becoming Penghayat will face some special challenges since the society generally has negative stereotype towards them. The research method used was qualitative by using emic approach. The subject of this research was Penghayat Kepercayaan (the believers) who was covered by Majelis Luhur Kepercayaan Terhadap Tuhan YME Indonesia (MLKI). The informants were determined by using purposive sampling technique. The research finding was the democratic country generally considered the diversity and all citizens have the similar rights and obligations, however, until now, Penghayat Kepercayaan is struggling to get the acceptance especially for their identities. The new problem about the existence of Penghayat Kepercayaan in the social interaction will evoke their feelings of useless in actualizing their life and their occupations. The perspective towards the democracy of Pancasila by some Penghayat Kepercayaan did not represent enough their existence as the diversity in Indonesia, while for others, this current democracy had already fulfilled their needs.