RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RELIGION AND POLITICS IN INDONESIA

In the ancient era Indonesia has witnessed Hindu-dominated empires and influence of Hinduism was evident there in Srivijaya - kingdom. The politicization of religion and vote-bank politics made religion in Indonesia an internal part of politics. Gradually Indonesia became a country with a Muslim citizen's majority but it retained its secular pluralistic culture. The politicization of religion and vote-bank politics made religion in Indonesia as an integral part of politics. Although, the policies remained predominantly secular. All these developments show an intricate combination of religious and politics. The article focuses on the intricate dynamics of the relationship of religion and politics in Indonesia.