RELIGIOUS IDENTITY AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN URBAN AREAS A STUDY OF THE DYNAMICS OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES IN BIG CITIES

Abstract

This study examines how religious identities respond to social change in urban areas, particularly in large cities in Indonesia such as Medan, Jakarta, and Surabaya. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and in-depth interviews to understand how religious communities maintain and transform their identities amidst globalization, secularization, and modernity. The results show that religious identity remains a key factor in maintaining social stability. Communities with strong religious roots tend to maintain their traditions as a countermeasure to new values. In contrast, more adaptive communities show openness to using technology to encourage member participation. The study also finds that geographic context and internal community characteristics influence responses to social change. For example, communities with strong traditional ties tend to be more conservative, while younger and more modern communities are more open to secular aspects of everyday life. These findings highlight how religion can be a flexible social force in urban areas and potentially support inclusive urban policies