Asian Research Center for Religion and Social Communication - ARC

If you haven't had the chance to download the full issue of ARC Journal "Religion and Social Communication" Vol. 24, No. 1 (2026), you can do so by copying and pasting the link to your web browser: https://asianresearchcenter.org/blog/essays/mapping-contemporary-currents-in-religion-and-communication

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — On February 22, 2026, the International Symposium on Research and Publication (ISRP) 2026 brought together researchers, graduate students, and academic staff at Saint Louis College Bulanao (SLCB) for a hybrid academic gathering dedicated to strengthening research ethics and advancing scholarly standards.

With the theme “Advancing Global Scholarship Through Ethical Dialogue and Responsible Knowledge Sharing,” the symposium featured onsite and virtual presentations, fostering collaboration among institutions such as Saint Louis University, Saint Tonis College Incorporated, and Kalinga State University.

The event was highlighted by keynote addresses from Rev. Fr. Anthony Le Duc, SVD, on “Conscience Formation in the Digital Age: Integral Human Development and Moral Ecology,” and Prof. Dr. Joefrey Almazan, on “Human Identity in the Age of Algorithm: A Multi-disciplinary Reflection.” Spearheaded by the ARC–Philippines Chapter under the coordination of Prof. Dr. Rico Jacoba, ISRP 2026 reaffirmed its mission to cultivate responsible scholarship and global academic dialogue.

Livestreaming now:
International Symposium on Research and Publication 2026 hosted by St. Louis College of Bulanao in partnership with ARC

Theme: Advancing Global Scholarship Through Ethical Dialogue and Responsible Knowledge Sharing

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1596982618297561&rdid=uHoDs9TwC4mfhrng

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Indonesia hosts symposium on media's effect on religious practice

An international symposium gathers scholars and practitioners to reflect on the transformative impact of digital media on religion and culture across Southeast Asia.

By Fr. Mark Robin Destura, RCJ

Indonesia hosts symposium on media's effect on religious practice - Vatican News An international symposium gathers scholars and practitioners to reflect on the transformative impact of digital media on religion and culture across ...

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🔴Live | International Symposium : Religion, Media, and Culture in Southeast Asia | #DAY3 DAY 3 PROGRAMMedia • Power • Ecological Futures21 February 2026Keynote 2Dr. Enqi Weng (Deakin University, Australia)Media sociologist, specializing in interc...

https://www.rvasia.org/asian-news/indonesia-scholars-examine-religion-media-and-culture-digital-southeast-asia

Indonesia: Scholars Examine Religion, Media, and Culture in Digital Southeast Asia The Institut Filsafat dan Teknologi Kreatif Ledalero (IFTK Ledalero) in Flores, eastern Indonesia, formally opened the International Symposium on Religion, Media, and Culture in Southeast Asia on February 19, 2026, bringing together academics and researchers from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand...

Panel Discussion on ‘Social Media, Religious Communication, and Peacebuilding’ (Alexander Flor, Leonard Epafras, Anthony Le Duc) — International Symposium on Religion, Media, and Culture in Southeast Asia, Ledalero Institute, Indonesia, 19-21 February 2026.

🔴Live | International Symposium : Religion, Media, and Culture in Southeast Asia | #DAY2 DAY 2 PROGRAMDigital Identity • Ecology • Media20 February 2026Morning Papers:Felisita Winanda Oka (Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia)Atanasius Dewantara et...

As co-host of the International Symposium on Religion, Media, and Culture in Southeast Asia taking place Feb. 19-21 at Ledalero Institute, on behalf of ARC, Anthony Le Duc delivered remarks in the opening plenary session. Part of the opening remarks states:

"Religion, culture, and media are inseparable. Religion is always lived and expressed through culture — through language, symbols, rituals, and everyday practices. Today, however, much of this expression takes place through media. Media does not simply transmit religious messages; it shapes them. It influences how religion and culture are represented, interpreted, and evaluated in the public imagination — both locally and globally.

What we see in the media affects how religion is perceived: whether it is understood as a source of meaning and solidarity, or as something outdated, contested, or even threatening. In the digital age, these perceptions travel fast, crossing borders and cultures almost instantly.

This is why this theme is particularly important for Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia is one of the most religiously and culturally diverse regions in the world. Multiple religious traditions coexist side by side, often in complex and delicate relationships. At the same time, the region is home to a large and dynamic population, rapidly developing economies, and growing political significance. What happens here matters — not only for Southeast Asia, but for the global community.

As media — especially digital and social media — becomes more central to daily life, it plays an increasingly powerful role in shaping religious identities, cultural narratives, and public discourse. It opens new possibilities for dialogue and creativity, but also raises serious questions about representation, authority, polarization, and responsibility. These are some of the questions we will be engaging with during this symposium.

On behalf of the Asian Research Center for Religion and Social Communication — ARC — I would like to express how honored we are to collaborate with the Ledalero Institute in organizing this international conference. This event is part of the Memorandum of Understanding between our two institutions, and it reflects our shared commitment to critical reflection, scholarly exchange, and meaningful engagement with contemporary challenges."

Opening plenary session of the International Symposium on Religion, Media, and Culture in Southeast Asia with keynote speaker Dr. Benjamina Paula G. Flor from the University of the Philippines.

The symposium (Feb. 19-21) is co-hosted by the Ledalero Institute (Indonesia) and ARC.

Full program can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8VZKRKGURk

Please join us for the opening plenary session starting at 5 PM (Bali/Manila), 4 PM (Bangkok/Hanoi).

🔴Live | International Symposium : Religion, Media, and Culture in Southeast Asia | #DAY1 DAY 1 PROGRAMEmbodied Faith in the Digital Era19 February 2026Opening16:00 Check-inWelcoming SpeechesProf. Otto Gusti Ndegong MadungDr. Anthony Le DucKeynote...

God, Government, and the Spotlight: Trust, Tensions, and Perceptions in Indonesia’s Religious Landscape
Religion and Social Communication Vol. 24, No. 1 (2026)

Winda Galuh Desfianti
Angela Annabel
Angelina

Abstract
This study explores the evolving relationship between religion, governance, and digital communication in Indonesia, focusing on how public trust is constructed within a complex and pluralistic religious landscape. Drawing on Public Trust Theory as the primary analytical lens, the research investigates how perceptions of government fairness, procedural legitimacy, transparency, and representational inclusivity influence citizens’ trust in state institutions, particularly regarding religious policy. Through a mixed-methods design combining quantitative survey data with qualitative narrative responses, the study examines Indonesians’ evaluations of the state’s role in managing religious affairs and the broader impact of digital media on shaping public perceptions. Findings suggest that fairness and consistency in governance remain the most significant determinants of trust, while social media functions as both an informative bridge and a disruptive force, capable of amplifying inclusivity as well as polarization. The study contributes to interdisciplinary discussions on religious pluralism, political legitimacy, and communication practices, offering insights for policymakers, religious leaders, and communication strategists seeking to strengthen institutional transparency, inclusivity, and trust in Indonesia’s diverse socio-political environment.

asianresearchcenter.org This study explores the evolving relationship between religion, governance, and digital communication in Indonesia, focusing on how public trust is constructed within a complex and pluralistic religious landscape. Drawing on Public Trust Theory as the primary analytical lens, the research investigat...