The Role of Confucian Religious Counselors in Increasing Spiritual Faith in Believing in Confucianism Case Study at the Indonesian Confucian Religious Council (MAKIN) Natuna 2022-2024 Period

Abstract

This study examines the role of Khonghucu religious counselors at the Indonesian Khonghucu Religious Council (MAKIN) Natuna in enhancing the spiritual faith of followers and fostering interfaith harmony during the 2022-2024 period. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach with a survey method, this research involved 45 respondents from the Khonghucu community in Natuna. The findings indicate a significant effectiveness of religious counselors in various aspects: 95.5% of respondents rated the counselors' performance as good or very good, with 95.5% of the community feeling assisted in improving their understanding of teachings, spiritual faith, and the application of these teachings in daily life. The counselors successfully implemented a comprehensive strategy encompassing doctrinal, ethical, and social aspects, emphasizing universal values such as virtue (68.9%), ethics/morality (80%), and harmony (71.1%). MAKIN Natuna also significantly contributed to building interfaith harmony through social activities and active participation in the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB). The main challenges faced include limitations in human and financial resources (60%), a lack of understanding among the community regarding Khonghucu teachings, and geographical constraints as an archipelagic region. However, MAKIN Natuna has adopted adaptive strategies to address these challenges, including enhancing the quality and intensity of counseling, focusing on teachings relevant to daily life, and collaborating with local government