Indonesia is one of the world's largest Muslim countries, where religion plays an important part in shaping social norms and values, including sexual behavior before marriage. Although Islamic law discourages premarital sex, it also recognizes that humans have natural desires, but there are ways to control them through discipline and self-control. In addition, spiritual aspirations such as faith and hope for rewards in the afterlife can help regulate premarital sexual behaviors among Indonesians. This article will examine how shame and spiritual aspiration influence sexual behavior among young adults in religious communities in Indonesia.
Shame refers to feelings of guilt or embarrassment resulting from doing something wrong or failing to meet societal expectations. Shame has been shown to be a powerful motivator for changing behavior, especially when it comes to sex. Many Indonesian religious communities view premarital sex as sinful, leading people to feel ashamed if they engage in it.
Some parents may openly discuss their disapproval of premarital sex with their children, creating a sense of shame that may prevent them from engaging in such behavior.
Religious leaders often emphasize the importance of avoiding premarital sex in sermons or classes, further reinforcing this sense of shame.
Spiritual aspiration, on the other hand, involves striving towards personal growth and fulfillment through religious beliefs and practices. Many Indonesian religious communities encourage young adults to focus on developing themselves spiritually, which can include abstaining from sexual activity until marriage. Religious teachings about the importance of purity and modesty can lead individuals to view premarital sex as undesirable or even harmful to their spiritual well-being. They may believe that engaging in premarital sex could jeopardize their relationship with God, compromise their moral integrity, or bring negative consequences in the form of disease, unwanted pregnancy, or social ostracism.
Not all Indonesians share these views. Some young adults may not feel a strong sense of shame regarding premarital sex due to cultural norms, family pressures, or personal circumstances. They may see premarital sex as a natural expression of their desires, without feeling guilty or embarrassed by it. Others may lack religious devotion or adhere to different interpretations of Islamic law that permit premarital sex under certain conditions. These differences highlight the complex interplay between cultural, societal, and individual factors that influence sexual behavior in Indonesia.
Both shame and spiritual aspiration play important roles in regulating premarital sexual behavior among Indonesian religious communities. While some people may be strongly motivated by shame to avoid premarital sex, others may find it less compelling.
Each individual must navigate their own values, desires, and beliefs when making decisions about sex before marriage.