Thammasat University students interested in Indonesia, China, ASEAN studies, history, philosophy, religion, Confucianism, political science, international affairs, and related subjects may find it useful to participate in a free 21 March Zoom webinar, China’s Confucianism and Its Transformation in Indonesia.
The event, on Tuesday, 21 March 2023 at 1pm Bangkok time, is presented by ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore.
The TU Library collection includes several books about different aspects of Confucianism.
The event webpage explains:
About the Webinar
Chinese Confucianism is often considered primarily as a philosophy and secondarily, as an unorganized religion. But the People’s Republic of China (PRC) today regard Confucianism only as a philosophy, and Confucius himself has become the symbol of Chinese culture.
In Indonesia, however, Confucianism has developed into an organized religion and is recognized by the state as one of the six official religions. Additionally, since the fall of Suharto, the Chinese Lunar New Year has become an Indonesian public holiday as it is considered as the new year celebrated by the Confucianists.
Although initially influenced by China, the development of Confucianism in Indonesia has been heavily influenced by local politics and society since the end of World War II. This new development reflects the Chinese Indonesian hybrid culture and their desire to use Confucianism as a vehicle for their religious and ethnic identity. However, as Chinese Indonesians often practice traditions from three religions (Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism), it is difficult to separate Confucianism from Buddhism and Taoism.
Additionally, through interactions with other religions such as Islam and Christianity coupled with domestic socio-political pressure, Confucianism in the Republic of Indonesia has transformed into an organized religion called Agama Khonghucu, possessing many characteristics of other religions.
This webinar will analyse the origins of Confucianism in Indonesia and track its transformation into a religion with Indonesian characteristics. It will examine the similarities and differences between Confucianism in China and Indonesia, and the problems and future prospects the religion faces.
About the Speaker
Professor Leo Suryadinata is currently Visiting Senior Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. He was formerly Professor in the Department of Political Science at the National University of Singapore. He has published extensively on Southeast Asian politics, ethnic Chinese in Southeast Asia and China-ASEAN relations. His latest book is Rising China and New Chinese Migrants in Southeast Asia (ISEAS Publishing/2022, co-editor and contributor).
The TU Library collection includes books with published research by Professor Suryadinata.
Students are invited to register for the event at this link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_crljkD2EQU6pG87pzQt9Aw
Last year, Professor Suryadinata posted an article on the Think China website,
Will Indonesia establish a University of Confucianism?
The Joko Widodo administration recently announced plans to establish the International State University of Confucianism in Bangka Belitung province. This plan has however been strongly opposed by the local Aliansi Ulama Islam (Islamic Ulama Alliance, or AUI). The success of the plan to establish the university is probably contingent on whether Joko Widodo remains in power. Should a conservative Muslim politician be elected as the next president, it is unlikely that this university will be built.
The Pancasila (meaning Five Principles) forms the backbone of Indonesian state ideology. Religious freedom is assured through the first principle — “Belief in One Supreme God”. Although there is no specific religion that one needs to follow, the Indonesian government officially recognises only six religions, namely Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism.
In theory, these religions enjoy equal status and treatment, and are included in the national religious education curriculum administered by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Confucianism, however, was the last to be included in the curriculum and is therefore the least developed. Qualified teachers of Confucianism have been greatly lacking.
The recently announced plan by the Joko Widodo administration to establish an International State University of Confucianism in Bangka Belitung province will definitely help enhance the quality of Confucianism education in the country.
From Kong Jiao Hui to Agama Khonghucu: Localisation of Confucianism
In 1965 — before Suharto came to power — Indonesia recognised Confucianism as one of the six official religions (agama). But before December 1963, Confucianism was called Khong Kauw Hwee (the Hokkien pronunciation of Kong Jiao Hui which means “Confucian religion association”. […]
Over time, Confucianism in Indonesia was influenced by Christianity, Islam and more importantly, the Indonesian language and culture — so much so that by 1963, Confucianism was no longer referred to as “Khong Kauw” but “Agama Khonghutju” (or “Agama Khonghucu” after 1972). Up until 1965, during the Sukarno era, Confucianism was recognised by the Indonesian government as one of six official religions. […]
The Indonesian public has been divided on this issue. While some agree with the views of AUI, others support the establishment of PTN Khonghucu in Bangka-Belitung. Those who agree with AUI are mainly conservative and radical Muslims, while those who oppose AUI tend to be moderate Muslims, intellectuals, Chinese Indonesians, and social media personalities.
The Indonesian public has been divided on this issue. While some agree with the views of AUI, others support the establishment of PTN Khonghucu in Bangka-Belitung. Those who agree with AUI are mainly conservative and radical Muslims, while those who oppose AUI tend to be moderate Muslims, intellectuals, Chinese Indonesians, and social media personalities.
For instance, a social media influencer Ade Armando who has 1.8 million followers on his Cokro TV programme, maintained that Indonesia is a democratic country based on Pancasila and that Confucianism is one of the religions recognised by the government; thus, Confucianism deserves to be treated fairly. He emphasised that, since the central government has established an International Islamic University of Depok in West Java, establishing a PTN Khonghucu, which is also an international university, appears to be a natural and logical move. This would also enhance the status of Indonesia among the international academic community. Likewise, the influx of Chinese students to study at the PTN Khonghucu should be welcome and would benefit Indonesia both culturally and economically.
Addressing the argument that Chinese nationals would migrate to Bangka-Belitung province in large waves, Armando pointed out the absurdity of it. In Armando’s view, anti-PTN Khonghucu sentiments are based on exclusivism and xenophobia, and these should not be encouraged. He urged the central government to not abandon the plan to establish the PTN Khonghucu just because of the opposition of a few Islamic clergymen. […]
Will the PTN Khonghucu be eventually established? It appears that the realisation of this plan is contingent upon Joko Widodo being in power. In other words, the university should be built before Joko Widodo steps down. If not, should a conservative Muslim politician be elected as the new president, it is unlikely that this university will be built anytime in the near future.
(All images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)