Mapping Bureaucratization of Religion in Southeast Asia: Historical Trends and Contemporary Implications

Abstract:

Introduction: The bureaucratization of religion represents a significant and often underexplored dimension of governance in Southeast Asia. This study delves into the administrative regulation of religious practices and institutions in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, as highlighted in the September 2023 United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) report. By focusing on these countries, the paper aims to elucidate the broader implications of bureaucratization on freedom of religion and belief (FoRB). Methods: A qualitative research methodology was employed, involving a critical review of the September 2023 USCIRF report and other relevant literature. The study analyzed governmental policies, administrative measures, and their impact on religious practices and FoRB. Comparative analysis across the four countries was conducted to identify common patterns and unique deviations in the bureaucratization process. Results: The study found that the bureaucratization of religion in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand is characterized by intricate administrative controls over religious institutions and practices. Key features include registration requirements, restrictions on religious gatherings, and monitoring of religious discourse. These measures, while varying in form and intensity across the countries, collectively impose significant limitations on FoRB. The analysis revealed that these administrative controls are strategically employed by governments to regulate religious expression and maintain socio-political stability. Discussion: The findings underscore a substantial threat posed by the bureaucratization of religion to FoRB and related human rights. The nuanced use of administrative measures enables governments to subtly control and restrict religious practices without overtly violating international norms. This regulatory approach not only curtails individual freedoms but also affects the overall religious landscape, influencing cultural diversity and inter-religious relations. The study enhances the understanding of the complex interplay between religion and state, highlighting the need for more robust mechanisms to protect FoRB in the region. Conclusion: The bureaucratization of religion in Southeast Asia presents a profound challenge to FoRB. By critically examining the practices in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, this study provides valuable insights into the administrative strategies used to control religious discourse. The research underscores the importance of addressing these issues to safeguard religious freedoms and promote a more inclusive and respectful religious landscape in Southeast Asia.

Keywords:

Bureaucratization; Cultural Diversity; Religion; Rights; Southeast Asia; Freedom of Religion and Belief; Indonesia; Malaysia; Singapore; Thailand; USCIRF Report.

Citation: Waseem Ahmad Bhat and Shazia Majid (2024). Mapping Bureaucratization of Religion in Southeast Asia: Historical Trends and Contemporary Implications. Horizon J. Hum. Soc. Sci. Res. 6 (1), 97–104. https://doi.org/10.37534/bp.jhssr.2024.v6.n1.id1243.p97