According to Tholkhah in Rosidi (2011), the Indonesian nation, which is bound by the four pillars of national and state life, namely the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, the state philosophy of Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, and the motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, has long been known as a religious nation. The four pillars are what always keep the Indonesian nation intact and harmonious.
As we know that the existing religion in Indonesia, there is not only one religion but also more than one religion. This is what causes differences in the teachings of each religion, which sometimes makes followers feel that their religion is the most correct. Sometimes this misunderstanding creates discrimination. The most prominent discrimination comes from religions, which have the smallest number of followers, and the existence of other communities is less known. Therefore, local belief is often targeted as a religion that often receives discrimination.
The indigenous religions of the archipelago or customary beliefs are indigenous tribal religions that existed before foreign religions entered the archipelago. This religion is formed based on the character, culture, and environment of the local community. Therefore, it can be said that the oldest religion standing in Indonesia is the local religion. Several local religions that appear in Indonesia are Sunda Wiwitan, Kejawen, Djawa Sunda, Parmalim, Kaharingan, Naurus, Marapu, and many more. Unfortunately, the length of time religion has been established does not guarantee that a religion has the right it deserves in its own country.
The first problem that arises when we hear of discrimination against local religions is the status of citizens on identity cards (KTP). As we know that religions in Indonesia are very diverse, but why are there only six religions recognized by the government? As we know, the six religions are Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Those six religions originate from outside Indonesia, not native to the Indonesian religion. However, what the government even admits is religions originating from abroad. The position of local religion has been shifted by foreign religions. It is very difficult for the local religion to be admitted by the government.
The reasons why the religions established by the government are only six can be said to be insufficient. The government argues that this is due to simplifying all state administrative matters, such as paying taxes, marriage, and BPJS. Problems like this should not be used as excuses and complicated but should be simplified.
If the issue of discrimination against local religions continues, it can be said that harmony between religious communities in Indonesia is experiencing a crisis. Crisis in the form of injustice and disregard for the rights of local religious followers. The pillars as pillars of the Indonesian nation that were built by our predecessors will gradually collapse.
Therefore, each individual must uphold high tolerance between religious communities. We cannot say which religion is the truest and which is heresy. In fact, right or wrong is related to how we establish vertical and horizontal relationships. The vertical relationship is the human relationship with the creator. While the horizontal relationship is the relationship between humans. For this reason, the government must be able to deal with discrimination as quickly as possible. This is not a small problem, but a problem that must be solved immediately.
