Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Atheism, the disbelief in the existence of God has been present for centuries. Over time, atheism has gained increasing popularity worldwide.
Research indicates that the number of people unaffiliated with any religion is rising in many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
One key factor behind this trend is the growing secularization of modern life, with many individuals prioritizing worldly matters and viewing religion as less relevant.
A study led by Queen’s University Belfast found that the strongest influences on religious belief are parental upbringing and societal expectations regarding faith in God.
Countries with the Largest Atheist Populations
According to data from Pew Research Center’s Religious Composition by Country, the following 20 nations have the highest percentage of atheists within their populations:
- Czech Republic – 78.4%
- North Korea – 71.3%
- Estonia – 60.2%
- Japan – 60%
- Hong Kong – 54.7%
- China – 51.8%
- South Korea – 46.6%
- Latvia – 45.3%
- Netherlands – 44.3%
- Uruguay – 41.5%
- New Zealand – 39.6%
- Mongolia – 36.5%
- France – 31.9%
- United Kingdom and Northern Ireland – 31.2%
- Belgium – 31%
- Vietnam – 29.9%
- Sweden – 29%
- Australia – 28.6%
- Belarus – 28.6%
- Luxembourg – 26.7%
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Atheism in Indonesia
Unlike many countries where secularism is growing, Indonesia legally requires its citizens to adhere to one of six officially recognized religions including Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The country’s Pancasila state philosophy, which serves as the foundation of Indonesian governance, includes the principle of belief in God.
Indonesia’s legal framework does not recognize atheism as a valid belief system, and publicly identifying as an atheist can lead to legal consequences.
Despite these restrictions, surveys suggest that a small number of Indonesians identify as non-religious or are skeptical of organized religion, though many keep their beliefs private due to societal and legal pressures.
With secularism continuing to shape societies globally, these trends suggest that atheism and non-religious affiliations may keep growing in the years ahead, though in some nations, including Indonesia, legal and cultural barriers remain firmly in place.
(Raidi/Agung)
