The Dynamics of Minority Groups in Access to Worship (A Case Study of Christian Groups in Worship Services in Serang City in 2024)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze several aspects of the life of Catholics in Serang, Banten, particularly concerning access to worship facilities, the formation of student activity units based on religion, and the freedom to practice religious activities within the community. This research employs a qualitative approach with a literature study method, where data is obtained through a review of relevant literature, including previous studies on religious freedom, social interaction, and the challenges of practicing religion in a predominantly non-Catholic area. Some of the issues identified in this research include the limited transportation facilities provided by the church for Sunday worship, regulations regarding permits to hold worship services at congregants' homes, and university policies in Serang that make it difficult for Catholic students to form religious-based Student Activity Units (UKM). In addition, there is a rule prohibiting choir practice in congregants' homes, allowing such activities only within the church. The research findings indicate that, despite efforts by the church to facilitate the congregation by providing transportation for those living far from the church, there are still obstacles to the exercise of religious freedom, particularly concerning local community permits and university policies. The policy prohibiting Catholic students from forming religious-based UKM shows a restriction on religious expression in higher education settings. On the other hand, the restriction of choir practice to the church reflects limitations on the congregation's space for conducting religious activities outside the church institution. This study recommends more intensive dialogue between the church, the local community, and educational institutions to create a more inclusive environment that supports religious freedom. Furthermore, a deeper review of policies related to religious activities in universities can help improve understanding and tolerance toward minority religious groups. This study contributes to the literature on religious freedom in Indonesia, especially in the context of multi-religious societies that face different challenges related to religious expression in public and institutional spaces