NARRATIVE POLITICS AND THE LIMITS OF RELIGIOUS GOVERNANCE IN DECENTRALIZED INDONESIA: THE CASE OF HKBP MARANATHA IN CILEGON, INDONESIA

Imam Rozikin; Ermaya Suradinata; Deti Mulyati; Mansyur Achmad

doi:10.31330/penamas.v38i1.830

Authors

Imam Rozikin Universitas Krisnadwipayana, Bekasi, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1680-5290
Ermaya Suradinata Institut Pemerintahan Dalam Negeri (IPDN), Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6712-7629
Deti Mulyati Institut Pemerintahan Dalam Negeri (IPDN), Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0393-5529
Mansyur Achmad Institut Pemerintahan Dalam Negeri (IPDN), Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0584-9153

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31330/penamas.v38i1.830

Keywords:

Religious Tolerance, Narrative Policy Framework, Local Narratives, Policy Enforcement

Abstract

Religion continues to be a critical domain in Indonesian public life, but its governance remains fraught with contestation, especially at the local level. This study analyzes how dominant and counter-narratives influence the implementation of religious pluralism policies in Indonesia, focusing on the conflict surrounding the HKBP Maranatha Church in Cilegon. Applying the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF), it maps how policy actors construct, reinforce, and contest narratives surrounding the enforcement of Joint Regulation No. 9/8 of 2006. The findings show that historical, legal-administrative, and human rights narratives compete to frame the conflict, with exclusionary narratives dominating through outdated decrees, social pressure, and policy ambiguity. In contrast, counter-narratives advanced by civil society and minority groups seek recognition and justice. The study reveals that legal vagueness and weak national oversight enable institutionalized discrimination. It recommends regulatory revision, institutional strengthening, and the cultivation of inclusive narratives to promote equitable religious governance. The study’s limitations include its localized and temporal focus, suggesting the need for comparative or longitudinal research in future studies across different regions. This research contributes conceptually to narrative-based policy studies and empirically to religious governance debates in plural societies.

Author Biographies

Imam Rozikin, Universitas Krisnadwipayana, Bekasi, Indonesia

Dr. Ir. Imam Rozikin, M.Si, is an academic person who works as a lecturer at the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Krisnadwipayana University. Apart from studying public administration and government science, he specializes in engineering and security, which he actualizes by teaching at the Indonesia State Intelligence College (STIN).
Ermaya Suradinata, Institut Pemerintahan Dalam Negeri (IPDN), Indonesia

Prof. Dr. Ermaya Suradinata, SH, MH, MS, is a Professor at the Institute of Home Affairs Governance (IPDN). He has served as Governor/Chancellor of IPDN and Governor of the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas). Prof. Ermaya started her career in 1972. He also went through various positions within the Ministry of Home Affairs, eventually becoming a full government management professor at the College of Domestic Government (STPDN). Prof. Ermaya also served as Chancellor of IPDN and was also Chancellor of President University.
Deti Mulyati, Institut Pemerintahan Dalam Negeri (IPDN), Indonesia

Dr. Deti Mulyati, S.H., M.H., CN is a lecturer in the Postgraduate Program at the Institute for Home Affairs Governance (IPDN) and serves as IPDN Deputy Chancellor for Cooperation. He has an educational background in the fields of Government and Law. During his leadership as Deputy Chancellor for Cooperation, Dr. Deti has succeeded in establishing collaborations with multiple universities, both at home and abroad. Apart from that, Dr. Deti has also produced 16 scientific works in various forms.
Mansyur Achmad, Institut Pemerintahan Dalam Negeri (IPDN), Indonesia

Prof. Dr. H. Mansyur Achmad, M. Si is a Faculty of Government Science Lecturer and Head of the Doctoral Program at the Institute of Home Affairs Governance (IPDN). So far, Prof. Mansyur has produced at least 58 scientific articles. Prof. Manysur has been a permanent lecturer at IPDN since 2004. His concentration is on public management, regional autonomy, and local politics.

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