Challenges of Papuan Muslim Minority: A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

This study aims to explain the challenges and mobilisation faced by the Papuan Muslim minority in maintaining an Islamic identity in Papua. The methodology employed for data analysis is grounded in descriptive analysis. The research data was obtained through a comprehensive search of news sources in both newspapers and online magazines. In the study, keywords determined and used to filter news sources were “Papuan Muslims and (Papuan Muslims) Minorities”. During data collection, news sources are not restricted to a particular time frame. After the screening and data collection process, 21 of the most relevant documents were found. This document serves as a primer material and is analysed using NVivo 12 Plus tools. This research shows that Papua’s Muslim minority faces complex challenges such as discrimination, injustice, and neglect of civil rights. In addition, the ongoing conflict and violence in Papua also have a negative impact on Papua’s Muslim community, resulting in limited access to public facilities. Despite the significant challenges facing the Papuan Muslim minority, they continue to mobilise the movement to fight for their rights and interests. Mobilisation efforts were carried out by organising religious groups to improve social welfare. They also engage in intercultural and interreligious dialogue. Research is limited to the use of data obtained solely from news sources. Therefore, further research using field data is needed to obtain a more comprehensive explanation of the forms of challenges faced, especially by religious groups in Indonesia.

Keywords: Papuan Muslims, Muslim minority group, religious community, Muslim group challenges