Demographics and Implications for Christian Religious Education in Indonesia: A Data-Informed Framework Based on Telecommunication Statistics 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55927/fjmr.v4i12.652Keywords:
Christian Religious Education, Digital Society, Internet Demographics, Digital Divide, Indonesian ContextAbstract
This study examines how demographic patterns of internet use in Indonesia shape the design and practice of Christian Religious Education (CRE) in an increasingly digital society. Using nationally representative data from Telecommunication Statistics in Indonesia 2024 and related statistical tables, the article describes internet penetration, device ownership, and usage characteristics by area of residence, region, age, gender, and educational attainment. The findings show a mobile-centric ecology in which smartphones are the primary access point, home is the dominant location of connectivity, and online activities are largely oriented toward entertainment and social networking, alongside persistent urban-rural and regional digital divides. The study contributes to ongoing efforts to reconstruct Christian education for a digitally mediated Indonesian context.
References
Allen, H. C. (2024). Intergenerational Christian formation in the digital age: Journeying together in faith online and offline. Leading Ideas. 1–10.
Badan Pusat Statistik. (2025). Statistik Telekomunikasi Indonesia 2024/Telecommunication Statistics in Indonesia 2024. BPS-Statistics Indonesia. (pp. 1–120)
Cloete, A. L. (2015). Living in a digital culture: The need for theological reflection. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 71(2), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v71i2.2073
Constantin, N. A., Wiraputra, A. L., & Rotty, G. V. (2024). Religious Transformation in Digital Era: Mediatization Impact on Religious Practice. 4(10), 1-12
Crompton et al, (2021), Learning with technology during emergencies: A systematic review of K‐12. Brit J Educational Tech 1,554-1557.
GoodStats. (2025). Pengguna internet Indonesia tembus 221 juta pada 2024: Gen Z mendominasi [Statistical brief], 1-4.
Harefa, Y. (2023). The impact of media and technology in Christian religious education. Asian Journal of Pedagogy and Research, 2(3), 35-45
Horvát, E.-Á., & González-Bailón, S. (2023). Quantifying gender disparities and bias online: Editors’ introduction to “Gender Gaps in Digital Spaces” special issue. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 29(1), 1-7 https://doi.org/10.1093/jcmc/zmad054
Latuheru, S. (2025). Digital transformation and challenges in Christian religious education. Didaskalia: Jurnal Pendidikan Kristiani, 7(1), 40-55.
Manik, J. V. (2025). Analysis of Smartphone Usage on the Spiritual Growth of the Youth at GKPPD Sanggaberu. 1(2),85-98.
Manurung, N. D. (2019). Yes, we can! Women as the ICT control taker and user. Indonesian Feminist Journal, 7(1), 30-38.
Mawikere, Y. (2025). Implikasi digital religion terhadap pendidikan agama Kristen. Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia, 5(1), 20-30.
Munir, T., Sutrisno, S., & Lumingkewas, M. S. (2023). INTERNET AND RELIGION: Digital Deities and Technoshamanism Changing Our Understanding of Spirituality. Didache Jurnal Teologi Dan Pendidikan Kristiani, 4(2), 119–135. https://doi.org/10.55076/didache.v4i2.136
Okta, O. R., Yuliana, D., & Mailoor, A. J. A. (2024). Unearthing Biblical Wisdom for Active Learning: An Interactive Model of Christian Education in the Age of Digital Technology. TELEIOS: Jurnal Teologi Dan Pendidikan Agama Kristen, 4(2), 147–159. https://doi.org/10.53674/teleios.v4i2.179
Phillips, P. M. (2023). DIGITAL THEOLOGY AND A POTENTIAL THEOLOGICAL APPROACH TO A METAPHYSICS OF INFORMATION. Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science, 58(3), 1-15.
Rohman, M., Setiawan, A., & Nurdin, S. (2024). Integration of digital technology in Islamic religious education learning. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 13(1), 50-68.
Siahaan, D. (2024). Factors influencing social media use among Indonesian churches. Cultivation: Journal of Christian Ministry and Education, 6(2), 39-45.
Siahaan, R. (2025). Literasi teologi digital: Menjawab tantangan disrupsi dalam pendidikan Kristen. GRAFTA: Jurnal Teologi dan Pendidikan Agama Kristen, 2(1), 15-28.
Simanjuntak, J. (2024). Faith formation in the digital era: Reconstructing Christian education for Generation Z. International Journal of Christian Education Studies, 4(2), 65-78.
Tuhumury, J. (2022). The integration of technology in family Christian religious education. Endless: Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies, 2(1), 77–95), 77-95.
Tupamahu, C. T., & Hutahaean, L. S. (2025). Membangun Generasi Produktif: Peran Pendidikan, Teknologi, dan Inovasi dalam Perspektif Kristen. 8, 1-20.
Wen, X., & Tian, B. (2024). How Does Digital Integration Influence the Mental Health of Low-Income Populations? Healthcare, 12(24), 2593. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12242593
Yayasan SMERU. (2023). Diagnostic report: Digital skills landscape in Indonesia. The SMERU Research Institute, 1-40
Zalukhu, A. (2025). Christian Education as Prophetic Action: Integrating Social Theology to Promote Justice and Societal Transformation. Edulead Journal of Christian Education and Leadership, 6(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.47530/edulead.v6i1.257
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Rependi Sianturi

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.





























