There has been an increasing interest among scholars to explore how religiosity shapes social narratives related to premarital sex, desire, and moral belonging. The study of these topics is particularly important in Indonesia due to its unique cultural and religious landscape. In this article, I will discuss how religious beliefs and practices in Indonesia influence social norms around sex, love, and morality.
The main question that this article addresses is how religious values shape social narratives about premarital sex, desire, and moral belonging in Indonesian society. To answer this question, I will draw upon empirical data from interviews conducted with young people who identify as Muslim and Christian in Jakarta.
It is necessary to define what religiosity means in this context. Religiosity refers to the degree of devotion to a particular religion or faith, and it can be expressed through various behaviors such as prayer, worship, charitable work, and adherence to religious teachings. Religion provides a framework for understanding the world and guides individuals' behavior. In Indonesia, Islam is the dominant religion, followed by Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. While each religion has distinct beliefs and practices, they all share common principles regarding sexuality, including modesty, chastity, and the importance of marriage.
I will examine how religiosity influences social narratives about premarital sex. Premarital sex is generally discouraged in Indonesian society, especially among conservative Muslims, but there are also differences within different denominations and sects.
Some Muslims believe that touching someone of the opposite sex is forbidden before marriage, while others allow hugging and kissing within certain boundaries. These differing views reflect the diversity of interpretations of religious texts.
Most Indonesians agree that premarital sex is not acceptable, and those who engage in it risk being stigmatized by their communities.
I will discuss how religiosity shapes perceptions of desire. Desire is an integral part of human nature, and it is often associated with sexual attraction. In Indonesia, desire is viewed differently depending on one's gender and relationship status. Men are expected to express their desire openly, while women are expected to be more subtle and indirect.
Married couples are encouraged to fulfill each other's desires within the bounds of marriage. This perspective reflects the importance of marriage as a social institution and the role of sex within it.
I will explore how religiosity impacts moral belonging. Moral belonging refers to an individual's sense of morality and their place in society. Religious beliefs provide individuals with a sense of moral identity and help them navigate complex social situations. In Indonesia, religious leaders play a significant role in shaping moral norms, and people seek guidance from them when faced with difficult decisions. While religion provides a framework for understanding right and wrong behavior, it does not necessarily dictate specific actions. Therefore, there is room for personal choice and interpretation within this context.
Religiosity plays a crucial role in shaping social narratives about premarital sex, desire, and moral belonging in Indonesian society. Understanding these dynamics can inform policies and interventions related to sexual health and education. It is important to recognize that while religion may influence individual behavior, it should not be used to judge or exclude others who hold different beliefs.