FKUB

FKUB stands for Forum Kerukunan Umat Beragama, an Indonesian multi-religious advisory body established at provincial and local government levels to promote and safeguard religious harmony. It is designed to facilitate dialogue, prevent and resolve conflicts, and coordinate relevant activities within a region’s religious communities.

The forum brings together representatives from government agencies and leaders from various religious communities. Typical members include local government officials from the religious affairs and governance sectors, as well as clergy and lay representatives from major faiths recognized in Indonesia. The exact composition and chairmanship vary by region and are defined by local regulations and guidelines.

Core functions of FKUB include advising the local government on policies affecting religious life, mediating disputes involving religious communities, and coordinating with police and other authorities on the protection of worship places and freedom of worship. FKUB also monitors religious tensions, conducts interfaith outreach, and supports processes related to permits and access for houses of worship and other religious activities. In practice, it serves as a platform for information sharing, conflict prevention, and joint community outreach.

Legal basis and implementation differ across provinces and districts. FKUBs are supported by national-level guidance and regional laws or regulations, reflecting Indonesia’s decentralization framework. While intended to foster harmony, the effectiveness and influence of FKUBs depend on local political will, community engagement, and the consistency of implementation across different areas.

See also: Interfaith dialogue, religious freedom, houses of worship regulation.