From Revivalism to National Integration: Negotiating Buddhism within the Post-Independence Framework of Pancasila

Abstract

This study examines the historical, ideological and political dynamics that shaped the revival and recognition of Buddhism in post-independence Indonesia. It focuses on how Buddhist communities negotiated their position within the Pancasila framework, particularly in relation to the principle of “Belief in the One and Only God.” Using a qualitative literature review, this study gathered secondary data from relevant literature and analyzed them using a historical and thematic approach. The findings show that Buddhist recognition and national integration were pursued through two main strategies: the theological reinterpretation of Adi Buddha as an expression of the Supreme Godhead and the institutionalization of Buddhayana as a distinct Indonesian Buddhist identity. These strategies enabled Buddhism to gain legal legitimacy while preserving its doctrinal and communal identity. The study argues that the revival of Buddhism in Indonesia was not merely a theological adjustment, but a broader process of political negotiation, identity formation, and national integration. This study offers a new perspective by integrating historical, theological, and political dimensions in explaining the process of the recognition of Buddhism in Indonesia, thereby enriching the study of the relationship between minority religions, national identity, and state policy in a pluralistic society. Despite this formal recognition, Buddhist communities continue to face contemporary challenges, including demographic decline, limited political representation, and unequal access to public services. This case offers an important perspective on how minority religions adapt to pluralistic nation-states while negotiating recognition, belonging, and citizenship.