The mitigating responses of confucian religious institutions to the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, which causes global catastrophes, has called for urgent responses from global communities, including religious communities around the globe, to adjust and find effective solutions to overcome the threatening dangers of the Corona virus. In relation to that phenomenon, this article investigates the responses of Confucian religious institutions in Indonesia to the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on Confucian theological perspectives, institutional policies, and concrete actions taken during the pandemic. The study employs a comprehensive research approach, combining qualitative and documentary analysis, field observations, interviews, and discussions with religious leaders and their community members. The research reveals that Confucianism values wisdom, compassion, and courage during the pandemic, seeing it as a chance for personal and spiritual growth. Confucian religious institutions implemented health protocols in their religious rituals and actively helped affected communities by distributing sanitizers, offering psychological support, and organizing vaccination drives. This research underscores the vital role of religion in educating, supporting, and assisting people in overcoming pandemic challenges. It will begin by introducing the COVID-19 pandemic briefly, then delve into the theological responses of Confucianism to the pandemic and subsequently explore how Confucian institutions adapted their religious rituals and helped the people overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.