Living Pluralism: The Accommodation of Hindu Rituals by Buddhist Communities in Banyuasin, Indonesia

Abstract

Interfaith interaction between Buddhist and Hindu communities in Banyuasin Regency remains underexplored, particularly regarding Buddhist participation in Hindu religious rituals. This study investigates how socio-religious accommodation enables Buddhists to engage in Hindu traditions while maintaining their own religious identity. Using a qualitative interpretive approach grounded in the anthropology of religion, the research draws on participant observation, in-depth interviews with religious leaders and Buddhist adherents, and document analysis. The analysis is informed by theories of social accommodation, symbolic interactionism, and religious pluralism. The findings indicate that socio-religious accommodation is shaped by historical ties, kinship, geographical proximity, and a shared commitment to tolerance. Buddhists participate in Hindu wedding ceremonies, funeral rites, and other customary rituals by interpreting Hindu symbols as expressions of social solidarity rather than religious doctrine. This dynamic negotiation of identity strengthens social integration, interreligious harmony, and the preservation of local cultural traditions. The study concludes that socio-religious accommodation in Banyuasin represents a practical expression of living pluralism, demonstrating how multicultural communities sustain peaceful coexistence through shared cultural values while respecting religious differences.