Vol. 13 No. 1 (2026): A Model of Christian Public Theology for Indonesian Society

Indonesian society has long been characterized by religiosity; however, religious diversity has also given rise to issues regarding freedom of religion and belief, particularly through acts of intolerance against religious minorities. Against this backdrop, this article proposes Abraham Kuyper’s concept of "principled pluralism" as a foundation for developing a Christian public theology within the context of the Pancasila state. This concept comprises two key elements: "structural pluralism," which affirms the autonomy of social institutions in accordance with their respective roles and authorities; and "confessional pluralism," which recognizes the right of religious communities to express their beliefs and participate legitimately in the public sphere. Both elements are viewed as aligning with the first principle of Pancasila—which animates national life without turning Indonesia into either a theocratic or a secular state. Within this framework, the government is obligated to uphold justice and protect religious freedom equitably, while the church is called to serve as a "public church" that contributes to society. Furthermore, civil society is encouraged to strengthen interfaith dialogue and solidarity, while the academic community is expected to develop public theology as a contribution to scholarship and public policy.