The Political Role of Religion in Liberal Democracy and Pancasila Democracy (A Comparative Analysis)

Abstract

This research is a comparative analysis of the political role of religion in liberal democracy and Pancasila democracy. This research uses a qualitative method of library study. The research found that in liberal democracy, the role of religion is limited by the doctrine of religious restraint. On the contrary, in Pancasila democracy, the role of religion is accommodated as stated in the first principle of Pancasila, namely, "Belief in One God."  Accommodation of the role of religion as one of the values in Pancasila democracy has the consequence that using religious reason as the basis of coercive regulation is permitted. However, because precepts in Pancasila are complementary and mutually restrictive to each other, using religious reason as the basis of coercive regulation must not contradict the other precepts of Pancasila, namely, humanity, unity, deliberation, and justice.