Abstract

The high level of individual resilience observed in the Malay world can be attributed to a religious outlook that supports the ability to find meaning in adverse events. At the same time, religious practice is seen and used to ameliorate the effects of stress and to signal a need for assistance. This study involved in-depth interviews with fifteen men and fifteen women in West Sumatra, Indonesia, about their understanding of the role of religious practice across domains. Its findings show that religion is the main source of resilience and positive coping and is used intentionally for this purpose by some members of the community. This effect seems stronger for older individuals, which may reflect different experiences as well as social expectations associated with older age. The findings point up the need for further interdisciplinary study of the relationship between religion and culture in Indonesia and the Malay world in general.