ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how religious ideas and symbols are used as tools of power and competition at election rallies in Indonesia. Candidates address their audiences at rallies and through the media, using symbols and specific language that provoke ethnic and religious identities. In countries with pluralistic societies like Indonesia the link between religion and politics is potentially divisive from a national perspective. Sumbanese worshipped their ancestors and lived with their traditional Marapubeliefs. This belief system provided guidelines for social behaviour, explained the features of nature. Christianity and the state are intertwined on Sumba. The colonial government brought a central state to Sumba, while European missionaries introduced the world religion. Democratization in Indonesia opened up room for the inclusion of religious elements in regional politics and legislation. Decentralization and direct elections encouraged politicians to use identity politics in their struggle to be elected to the highest office in their autonomous districts.
