Beragama

Beragama is an Indonesian verb meaning to have a religion, to be religious, or to practice a faith. The word combines the noun agama (religion) with the prefix ber-, which signals engagement or possession, yielding a sense of being affiliated with or actively following a faith.

Usage is common in everyday language to describe a person’s religious affiliation, for example ia beragama Islam, beragama Kristen, beragama Katolik, beragama Hindu, beragama Buddha, or beragama Kong Hu Cu (Confucianism). In many contexts beragama is used alongside or interchangeably with menganut agama, though beragama can emphasize active practice or identity while menganut more often highlights affiliation.

Legal and social context in Indonesia centers on religious freedom and identity. The state recognizes several religions and protects the right to worship according to one’s faith. The term beragama appears in official language to describe a person’s religious identity, and citizens commonly state their agama in civil registries and formal documents. Indonesia’s plural society places emphasis on harmony among diverse religious communities, consistent with national principles such as Pancasila and the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion.

Related terms and distinctions include beriman (believe in God) and beribadah (worship). Indonesian also uses kepercayaan or agama to refer to those not affiliated with a formal religion. The concept of beragama thus sits within broader discussions of religious belonging, tolerance, and rights in Indonesian public life.