LSI Survey: Indonesian Patriotism and Religious Freedom

A recent survey by the Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI) indicates that a significant majority of Indonesian citizens feel free to practice their religion and maintain a strong commitment to national defense. The data, presented by LSI Executive Director Djayadi Hanan on April 12, 2026, in Cikini, Central Jakarta, was part of a broader study titled Evaluation and Public Commitment to Pancasila.

The findings reveal that 97.3 percent of respondents feel free to practice their adhered religion in Indonesia. Within this group, 56.6 percent stated they felt very free to practice their religion, while 40.7 percent reported feeling sufficiently free.

A small minority of respondents expressed restrictions on their religious practice, with 1.1 percent feeling somewhat unfree and 0.5 percent feeling very unfree. Another 1.1 percent of those surveyed either did not know or chose not to answer the question.

Satisfaction and Perceptions of Religious Freedom

Beyond the ability to practice their faith, the survey measured overall satisfaction with religious freedom in the country. The results showed that 33 percent of respondents felt satisfied and 59 percent felt sufficiently satisfied. Conversely, 5 percent of participants reported feeling somewhat unsatisfied.

The survey also examined public perceptions regarding the importance of basic rights and freedoms. As part of the evaluation of Pancasila, the study found that 92.8 percent of respondents were able to state the wording of the first principle, Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa.

Nationalism and Defense

In addition to religious freedom, the LSI survey touched upon themes of patriotism and national security. The data indicates a high level of willingness among the population to defend the state, with 74.9 percent of respondents stating they would be willing to participate in war to defend the country.

Survey Methodology and Demographics

The survey respondents included Indonesian citizens with voting rights, specifically those who were at least 17 years old or already married at the time of the study. The demographic breakdown of the respondents by ethnicity was as follows:

• Javanese: 40 percent
• Other ethnicities: 27.1 percent
• Sundanese: 15 percent
• Batak: 3.6 percent
• Madurese: 3 percent
• Minang: 2.7 percent
• Malay: 2.3 percent
• Betawi: 2 percent

The Indonesian Survey Institute was established on September 17, 2003, based on the principle that Indonesian democracy functions more effectively and stably when It’s responsive to public perception, expectations, and evaluations.