Habermas expected. In a society where 99 admitted that religion is personally important, it is difficult to imagine religion being thrown out
of the public sphere. The foundation of the state is belief in the one and only God. The majority, who are Muslims, belief that Islam is relevant
throughout all aspects of social life not limited to individual private spheres. The Hindu community in Bali, Christians in Toraja or Catholics
in Flores would also disapprove if religion were cast out of the public sphere.
Thus is the case with public sphere that is free form the influence of money. In gift exchange culture, it is difficult to imagine a public sphere
unaffected by “envelopes” filled with money and other gifts. “Where’s the gift?” The current structure of economy has an enormous impact on
money. Low pay and salary means many people, including university lecturers, sustain the lives of their family through envelopes. The impact
of money can’t always be speculated. During political campaigns, people would reap gifts from all sides. A friend of mine told a story
about the head of district election in his village. From the two candidates, one gave everyone in the village Rp 75,000 respectively.
Consequently, the opponent gave everyone in the village Rp 150,000. Hence, everyone received Rp 225,000. Since the former candidate was
more popular, he won the election although he only gave Rp 75,000 per person. The latter candidate was furious. All his money was spent and
he got nothing. Moreover, is it possible for Indonesian public sphere to be free from
political influence? Indonesia still upholds a hierarchical culture of patron-client which highly values loyalty to superiors. The influence of
politics is part of the “I scratch your back, you scratch mine” culture. Political cleavages mean there are numerous people participating in the
public sphere, not as thinking individuals seeking their own truth, but as a person who is already part of a particular ethnicity, particular religion,
particular ideology, and is loyal to particular figures. The public sphere
is a place of negotiation and bargaining between groups possessing communal identity.
The influence of religion, economy, and politics in the Indonesian public sphere is considered by a lot of Indonesians as natural and proper,
not terrible. Religious symbols, money and political influence cannot be driven away from the public sphere because that is not expected by the
people of Indonesia. However, everyone is aware that many problems happen because of these three things. What are the problems and can
they be reduced?
10.3.2 Mixture of Religion, Politics and Economy in the Public Sphere
In my opinion, the root of the problem is in the mixture of these three things. Religious symbol, the power of money, and political
influence including violence are intertwined until it is difficult to differentiate. These three things are indeed always related to one
another. Politics influences economy and religion. For example, politics will determine whether the price of fuel rises and whether a certain
product for sale is forbidden by religion. Economy affects religion and politics. For instance, a religious school would close down if there
weren’t enough income. Politicians would lose their positions if economic conditions worsened. Religion influences politics and
economy. As an example, public policy violating religious norms would not be accepted by the public. Meanwhile, religious trends and
perceptions affect products and business to sell or go bankrupt. However, not acknowledging differences in the norms and regulations
of each field would bring about disastrous result. An interesting example is the conflict related to the church called
Christian Church of Indonesia GKI Yasmin. The church building is located in a highly valuable area in the centre of the city of Bogor
economic aspect. Although it was built with legal permit political aspect and certificate of ownership, the land was intended for use of
economic development. Aside from that, there were many members of
the church who were of Chinese ethnicity socialracial aspect. The Islamic hard liner militant group religious aspect threatened to attack
and burn the church violence. Subsequently, the city mayor political aspect, pressurized by economic interest and the religious radical group,
revoked the permit to use the church building religious aspect and urged them to move to another location. The church leader did not agree
and brought the case to court politicallegal aspect. After a lengthy and expensive economic aspect legal process, the case was finally brought
to the Supreme Court where GKI Yasmin won and was afforded the right to use the building. However, the Mayor of Bogor does not agree
and still, to this day, utilize the police political violence to close down the church building. This case shows how religion, economy, and
politics are mixed in the public sphere.
10.3.3 Public Spheres as Locations to Distribute Social Goods
According to Michael Walzer, the public sphere consists of many spaces Walzer, 1983. There isn’t just one sphere but many. Every
sphere is a location where social goods are distributed in accordance to differing rules. As an example, in the public sphere of university, the
social goods distributed include among other things: academic positions, registration of accepted students, academic titles and knowledge. These
proper social goods are distributed based on scientific proof and accountability in fulfilling academic obligations, such as: taking exams,
present in lectures, writing articlespapers, reading scientific papers, and so forth. In the academic “field” or “sphere”, the system is fair, as long
as the rules and academic procedures are followed. This doesn’t mean the academic “sphere” is entirely separate from economy, politics,
religion, et cetera, but these other fields are not allowed to control the field of education by neglecting academic values and regulations.
The same applies in the public sphere of market economy. The social goods distributed are services or products that can be purchased with
money. The economic sphere, for instance, is a store located in a mall
