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In Bahasa Indonesia, there are several expressions that might reflect a fatalistic attitude toward life. Some common phrases are itu sudah takdir (“That is destiny”), itu sudah jalan hidup (“That is the path of life”), or namanya nasib (“The name is fate”). These expressions are often used to accept certain outcomes or situations with a belief that they are predetermined. Another phrase is mau bagaimana lagi?, which can be translated to “What else can we do?” or “How else could it be?” This can convey a sense of resignation and acceptance of circumstances beyond one’s control.
Fatalism in Indonesian culture has multiple sources, including traditional beliefs, cultural practices, and, to some extent, interpretations of religious teachings. While fatalism is not inherently tied to any specific religion, cultural syncretism and the blending of traditional and religious beliefs can contribute to its prevalence.
As Indonesia is the biggest Muslim-populated country, it follows that Islam is a major religious factor for understanding fatalism in Indonesian culture. One example of how Islam shapes fatalistic thinking in Indonesia is how individuals attribute both positive and negative life events to Allah’s divine will. This acceptance of Allah’s plan can lead to a sense of resignation or submission to whatever fate has been ordained, fostering a fatalistic mindset.
Muslims in Indonesia use the term inshallah (“if Allah wills”), as Arab Muslims (and many Arab Christians) do in the Middle East. But Indonesian Christians usually use the Indonesian translation of this Arabic phrase instead: kiranya kehendak Tuhan yang jadi, akin to the English phrase “the Lord willing.”
Attitudes toward destiny or fate can vary significantly among individuals and communities. In many rural areas of Indonesia, traditional cultural practices and beliefs often play a significant role in shaping these perspectives. For example, in rural Javanese communities, there might be a strong adherence to traditional Javanese mysticism (Kejawen) or animistic beliefs, which can contribute to a worldview that emphasizes the role of destiny. In contrast, exposure to diverse ideas and cultures in urban settings, coupled with access to education and information, can contribute to a more secular or individualistic perspective. This may lead to a reduced emphasis on fatalistic beliefs in shaping one’s life path.
Christianity does not inherently promote fatalism, but excessive interpretations of certain theological concepts, such as predestination, may result in fatalistic thinking among some Christian communities in Indonesia.
Fatalism may unconsciously influence aspects of Indonesian evangelicals’ theology. It could impact their understanding of God’s sovereignty, potentially leading to a passive acceptance of challenging circumstances. In the face of suffering or natural disasters, there might be a struggle to reconcile the belief in a loving and powerful God with the fatalistic notion that events are predetermined.
Fatalism can also affect the Indonesian church by potentially hindering proactive engagement in societal issues. If fatalistic attitudes prevail, there might be a tendency to view social problems fatalistically rather than seeking constructive solutions. This can impact the church’s role in advocating for justice, compassion, and societal transformation.
In Indonesia, engagements on societal transformation usually happen collectively. Churches may join together through legally established councils like the Communion of Churches in Indonesia to provide input to the government on social issues related to church well-being or society at large.
Addressing fatalism requires intentional efforts within the church community. Pastors and leaders can emphasize the importance of personal responsibility, active engagement in social issues, and the transformative power of faith. Providing practical guidance on problem solving and encouraging a biblical worldview that values both God’s sovereignty and human agency can help counter fatalistic tendencies.
Two relevant Bible verses for challenging fatalistic thinking could include Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (ESV), and Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (ESV). These two verses from the Old and New Testaments harmonize the tension or the paradox between acknowledging God’s sovereignty and recognizing the importance of human responsibility and action.
Read our contributors’ bios in the series’ lead article, Destiny Is All? How Fatalism Affects Churches Across Asia. (Other articles in this special series are listed to the right on desktop or below on mobile.)
