Between Isothymia and Megalothymia
Using Francis Fukuyama’s concept of thymos, this article examines religious identity politics in Indonesia. It defines isothymia—the desire for equal recognition—and megalothymia—the desire to be recognised as superior—and notes that the state’s recognition of only six official religions marginalises adherents of traditional belief systems.
The study observes that moderate Muslim groups exhibit isothymia by demanding equal recognition, while conservative or majoritarian groups display megalothymia by seeking dominance over other identities. This tension fuels the marginalisation of local beliefs and the dominance of mainstream religions; the author therefore calls for empowering local identity communities to foster a more inclusive national identity.
Read the full analysis in Islam Realitas: Journal of Islamic and Social Studies (DOI: 10.30983/islam_realitas.v10i2.8210).