AICOSH 2019 : Annual International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities

Every community, both small and large, likely experience a process of change or transformation. The process of transformation may take place quickly (revolution) or slowly (evolution), naturally or forced (non-natural). The transformation process may the unavoidable thing for the society. In the process, the social transformation that occurs in society may take different routes depending on the sociological-political context that surrounds it. The discussion of social transformation is indirectly a conversation about the socio-political phenomena it self.

In Indonesia, as in many other countries where religion is still considered as an important factor, the social dynamics associated with religion and religious-based collective identity may always be a hot topics especially approaching to the General Election. The usage of religion and its symbols take various forms. Starting from the use of religious symbols by various political parties, the increasing number of cases of blasphemy, decreasing tolerance among religious people, to the consumption of goods and services labeled with religion. In the last instance, religiosity is not only something with ethical-ideological character, but also becomes something which is aesthetically existentialist.

In addition, trends also arise in some social groups that try to transcend religion beyond its traditional boundaries. In these groups, religion is not just to being practiced in formal form but in the form of spirituality that is more fluid and crosses the boundaries of religious identity. The emergence of creative groups carrying the theme of peace and involving the young generation is one example of its own character.