Published June 25, 2026 | Version v1
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Digital Inclusivity of Penghayat Kepercayaan: Comprehending the Digital Realm as a Space of Un-/Becoming in a Polarized Society

  • 1. Universitas Gadjah Mada
  • 2. Center for Security and Peace Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Description

This paper examines the digital inclusivity of Penghayat Kepercayaan (indigenous/ancestral believers & esoteric movements) in Indonesia, who navigate a complex landscape of marginalization under state religious policies. Conceptualizing the digital realm as a contested space of "becoming" and "un-becoming," the study explores how these communities balance technological engagement with cultural preservation. Through three typological responses, i.e., resistance/exclusion (Baduy), inclusion (Gelaralam and Cigugur), and subversion (Balinese Penghayats), the research highlights diverse strategies for maintaining spiritual authenticity. The findings suggest that true digital inclusion requires community-controlled technological sovereignty, enabling constructive friction while mitigating polarization to safeguard indigenous identities in an increasingly digitized society.

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