Identity Negotiation of Indigenous Religious Believers in Banyumas, Central Java

Indigenous religious are often labelled as primitive, misguided, and even atheistic. As a stigmatized group, these believers negotiate their identity by communicating with people outside their community. This negotiation is carried out by the believers to be accepted in their social environment. This study aims to understand the identity negotiation of believers in Banyumas Regency. The research employs a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Data collection is conducted through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The findings reveal that identity negotiation is carried out through openness to the surrounding community to build mutual trust. The believers exhibit polite and ethical behaviour as part of a positive self-presentation. They also prioritize harmony and avoid coercive actions as an expression of their commitment to respecting differences. This approach reflects their efforts to integrate while maintaining their identity.