HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF RELIGION'S ROLE AS A CATALYST FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVEMENTS ADVOCATING MINORITY RIGHTS

Abstract

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the transformation mechanisms of religious values into social justice movements and measure their effectiveness in advocating for Muslim minority rights in Manado City, North Sulawesi. Employing a qualitative approach with a constructivist paradigm through instrumental case study, the research was conducted over six months using participant observation, in-depth interviews with 23 key informants, and document analysis. Findings reveal that minority status creates unique dynamics where religion functions as a bridge-building mechanism rather than a dividing factor. The theological reinterpretation process of adl, rahmatan lil alamiin, and ummatan wasathan concepts generates interpretive frames compatible with Minahasan cultural pluralism. Movement strategies emphasize cultural diplomacy, legal advocacy, and economic empowerment, achieving 75% success rate in legal advocacy cases and 34% growth in Muslim SMEs. Although formal political representation remains limited, significant transformation occurred in inter-community perceptions, with 74% of cross-religious respondents reporting improved relations. These findings challenge mainstream assumptions in social movement theory that associate religion-based movements with identity conflicts, while offering an alternative model for religion-based social justice movements adaptable to other plural regions in Indonesia.