Confucianism

‘The Teachings of Confucius’ is a Chinese ethical and philosophical system originally developed by Confucius. It should be noted that many Confucian teachings existed before Confucius, but he gathered and further developed this teaching. Confucianism is a complex system of moral, social, political, philosophical and religious thoughts, which have had tremendous influence on the Chinese civilization up to the 21st. century.

Confucianism was brought to Indonesia by Chinese merchants and immigrants, estimated to have arrived as early as the 3rd century AD. Unlike other religions, Confucianism evolved more into loose individual practices and belief in the code of conduct, rather than a well-organized community religion. After the independence of Indonesia in 1945 Confucianism in Indonesia has been affected by political turmoil. Only in 1961 the Confucians declared Confucianism a religion, and that Confucius is their prophet. In 1965, under the rule of Sukarno, it was accepted to be six religions embraced by the Indonesian people, including Confucianism.

Under Suharto’s rule there was an anti-China policy and in 1967 this policy practically banned Chinese culture, expression of Chinese belief, Chinese celebrations and festivities. Already in 1969 the official policy again accepted six religions, including Confucianism. But in practice it was different. In 1978 Confucianism was again excluded from the five official religions. In 1979 it was firmly decided by a presidential cabinet meeting that Confucianism was not a religion, this was re-iterated in 1990.

Since Confucianism was not recognized by the government the believers were forced to become Christians or Buddhists to maintain their citizenship. This practice was applied in many places, including in the national registration card, marriage registration, and even civics education in Indonesia taught school children that there are only 5 official religions. With the fall of Suharto in 1998 Confucianism was again officially recognized as a religion in Indonesia. Chinese culture and all related Chinese-affiliated activities are now allowed to be practiced. Chinese and non-Chinese Confucians have since expressed their belief in freedom.

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