Digital Inclusivity of Penghayat Kepercayaan: Comprehending the Digital Realm as a Space of Un-/Becoming in a Polarized Society
Authors/Creators
- 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.