Indonesia Muslim Population (2024–2025): Size, Percentage, Trends, and Global Rank

The Indonesia Muslim population is the largest in the world, with around 86–87% of Indonesians identifying as Muslim. For 2024, that translates to roughly 242–245 million people, and the total is likely to edge higher in 2025 under baseline growth. Understanding these figures helps travelers, students, and professionals plan with context on culture, governance, and society. This guide explains the size, percentage, trends, and Indonesia’s global rank using ranges that reflect routine dataset updates.

Quick answer: key facts at a glance

Direct answer: Indonesia has about 242–245 million Muslims in 2024 (around 86–87% of the total population). In 2025, the country is expected to have about 244–247 million Muslims, assuming modest population growth and a stable religious composition. Indonesia remains the largest Muslim-majority country by a clear margin.

• Total Muslims (2024): ≈242–245 million (about 86–87%).
• Total Muslims (2025): ≈244–247 million under baseline projections.
• Share of world’s Muslims: about 12.7–13%.
• Global rank: Indonesia is number one, ahead of Pakistan and India.
• In crores: ≈24.2–24.5 crores (2024); ≈24.4–24.7 crores (2025).
• Update cadence: figures are reviewed as national and international datasets refresh.

Total Muslims and share in 2024–2025 (concise figures)

For 2024, Indonesia’s Muslim population is approximately 242–245 million, which is roughly 86–87% of the national total. This range is calculated using Indonesia’s mid-2024 population baseline and a widely observed Muslim share. Because different agencies release updates on slightly different schedules, ranges communicate the most realistic view of the current year without over-precision.

Looking ahead to 2025, the expected range is about 244–247 million Muslims. This projection uses the mid-2025 baseline and assumes no abrupt change in religious identification patterns. Expressed in crores, the 2024 estimate is about 24.2–24.5 crores, rising to around 24.4–24.7 crores in 2025. Minor differences between sources are normal and reflect routine revisions to population totals.

Global rank and share of world Muslims

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population on Earth. Even as other populous countries with large Muslim communities continue to grow, Indonesia retains a comfortable lead by total adherents. This ranking is consistent across recent national and international demographic assessments.

Indonesia’s share of the world’s Muslims is commonly placed around 12.7–13%. That global fraction can shift slightly over time as population baselines are revised and new projections are released. Such changes reflect the normal cycle of dataset updates rather than a sudden change in Indonesia’s religious composition.

Current size and percentage (2024–2025)

Understanding the Indonesia Muslim population in 2024–2025 requires two building blocks: the country’s total population and the share of residents who identify as Muslim. Because official and international datasets follow different calendars and definitions, the most reliable way to present current-year figures is through measured ranges and transparent assumptions.

2024 estimate and methodology

The 2024 estimate of roughly 242–245 million Muslims is derived by applying an 86–87% Muslim share to Indonesia’s mid-2024 total population. This approach triangulates multiple inputs: the most recent census benchmark, administrative registers, and large-scale household surveys. Cross-checking across sources reduces the risk of over-relying on any single dataset and helps reconcile timing gaps.

UNWDF 2023: Interview with Imam Machdi, BPS-Statistics Indonesia

Religious identification in surveys and administrative records is self-reported, and question wording can influence how percentages are measured. For example, whether respondents may leave the religion question blank, how categories are listed, and how local belief systems are recorded can produce small shifts. Indonesia also manages population data through ongoing administrative updates, which improves freshness but can introduce definitional differences compared with decennial-style census snapshots. Reporting ranges reflects these nuances without undermining the core picture: an overwhelming Muslim majority of about 86–87% in 2024.

2025 outlook and range

For 2025, Indonesia is projected to have about 244–247 million Muslims. This outlook assumes a stable religious composition and steady, modest natural increase. Migration and conversion play a comparatively small role in national-level totals, so year-to-year changes mainly track overall population growth.

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Because estimates are updated regularly, final 2025 figures may shift within the stated range. Revisions typically reflect routine changes in total population projections rather than a marked shift in religious identification. As a result, a cautious band remains the best way to communicate the likely 2025 total while preserving comparability across time.

• Triggers for revision include major census releases or new large-scale survey findings.
• Administrative register updates that affect population baselines can nudge totals.
• International projection updates can adjust world and regional shares.

Global context: where Indonesia ranks

Indonesia’s position as the country with the largest Muslim population is a consistent finding across recent datasets. That status is clearer when viewed alongside other large countries with substantial Muslim communities. Because national growth rates and religious shares evolve, the most transparent comparison uses approximate ranges rather than rigid counts.

Muslim Population by Country 2024

Comparison with Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria (approximate ranges)

Indonesia remains number one by total Muslims in current estimates. Pakistan and India follow closely, but still below Indonesia’s total Muslim population. Bangladesh and Nigeria each have large Muslim communities that rank among the world’s biggest, yet both remain beneath Indonesia’s range.

Muslim-Majority Nations Ranked by Population | 2024–2025 Estimates

Approximate comparisons help manage data lags and definitional differences. For example, Pakistan’s and India’s totals depend on each country’s population growth and the share that identifies as Muslim, which may update at different times. Bangladesh’s and Nigeria’s estimates also reflect evolving age structures and varying survey calendars. Using ranges communicates the relative order—Indonesia first, then Pakistan and India, followed by Bangladesh and Nigeria—without overstating precision.

Note: Ranges are indicative and align with periodic updates. They are intended for relative comparison rather than pin-pointed counts.

Share of Asia-Pacific Muslims

Indonesia is the single largest contributor to the Asia-Pacific’s Muslim population. The region, stretching from South and Southeast Asia to parts of Oceania, holds a substantial share of the global Muslim community. Indonesia’s contribution within Southeast Asia is complemented by Muslim-majority neighbors such as Malaysia and Brunei, and by sizable Muslim communities in Singapore, Thailand’s south, and the Philippines’ south.

Largest Religious Group in Asia-Pacific 2010 - 2050 | Religion Population Growth | PEW | Data Player

For context, South Asia’s combined Muslim population—principally Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh—also accounts for a very large share of the world total. Indonesia’s totals therefore sit within a broader regional picture in which Asia as a whole, especially South and Southeast Asia, contains the majority of the world’s Muslims. Exact percentages vary with each release of global projections, but the pattern—Asia’s dominance and Indonesia’s leadership—remains stable.

Historical growth and distribution inside Indonesia

Indonesia’s Muslim majority formed over centuries through trade, education, and community life. Today’s distribution reflects long-term demographic trends such as age structure, fertility, and internal migration. Understanding where Muslims live within the archipelago provides insight into social services, education networks, and local cultural expressions.

How Indonesia Became the Largest Muslim Country

Age structure and growth drivers

Indonesia’s population remains relatively young, which supports continued natural increase even as fertility declines. A younger age profile implies a larger share of people entering childbearing ages, sustaining growth for some time. Over recent decades, improvements in education and health have lowered fertility and child mortality, gradually slowing the pace while maintaining upward momentum in total numbers.

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Patterns vary by region. Provinces in Java, the country’s most populous island, generally exhibit lower fertility than some outer islands, reflecting higher urbanization, longer schooling, and broader access to health services. Outside Java, several provinces still record fertility near or modestly above replacement level, contributing to continued growth. The net result is a nation whose total population and Muslim majority continue to rise, but at a calmer rate than in past decades.

Regional patterns: Java, Sumatra, eastern provinces

Most Indonesian Muslims live on Java because that is where the population is most concentrated. Large Muslim communities also span Sumatra, including provinces such as West Sumatra, Riau, and North Sumatra, while Aceh is overwhelmingly Muslim and known for distinct local traditions. Major urban centers—from Jakarta and Surabaya to Medan and Bandung—anchor dense networks of mosques, schools, and social organizations.

Indonesia Explained!

Major urban centers—from Jakarta and Surabaya to Medan and Bandung—anchor dense networks of mosques, schools, and social organizations. Recognizing this mosaic helps avoid overgeneralization while acknowledging Indonesia’s strong overall Muslim majority.

Religious diversity increases in parts of eastern Indonesia. For example, Bali is predominantly Hindu, while Christian communities are prominent in many districts of East Nusa Tenggara and in the Papuan provinces. Even in these areas, there are Muslim communities of varying size, and local exceptions are common at the district and city level. Recognizing this mosaic helps avoid overgeneralization while acknowledging Indonesia’s strong overall Muslim majority.

Denominational landscape and organizations

Religious life in Indonesia is shaped by a Sunni Muslim majority, longstanding scholarly traditions, and influential civic organizations. These elements interact with local culture to produce a distinctive religious landscape that is both rooted in classical jurisprudence and responsive to community needs.

Sunni (Shafi’i) majority

Indonesia’s Muslims are overwhelmingly Sunni. In most descriptions, the Shafi’i school of Islamic jurisprudence predominates in daily practice, influencing how communities approach worship, family law matters within religious forums, and customary observances. Sufi teachings and tarekat networks historically played an important role in spreading Islam across the archipelago and continue to inform local devotional life.

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Any percentage breakdown is approximate and source-dependent, because denominational identity is not always measured in the same way across surveys. Still, the broad picture is consistent: a dominant Sunni majority, a Shafi’i legal orientation, and a cultural heritage that incorporates Sufi learning alongside formal education in pesantren and universities.

Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah (scale and roles)

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah are Indonesia’s two largest Muslim mass organizations. Both operate extensive networks of schools, universities, clinics, and charities that reach into cities and rural districts across many provinces. Their institutions train scholars, provide social services, and support community initiatives ranging from disaster relief to education quality improvements.

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Counts often mention tens of millions of members and sympathizers for each organization, but it is important to separate formal membership from wider affiliation or community participation. Many Indonesians engage with NU or Muhammadiyah through local mosques, schools, or social programs without holding a formal membership card. These broad circles of participation help explain the organizations’ significant social presence and national voice.

Minority sects: Shia and Ahmadiyya (small shares, constraints)

Shia and Ahmadiyya communities make up a very small share of Indonesia’s Muslims—well under one percent in most accounts. Their presence is concentrated in certain neighborhoods and cities, with community life centered on local mosques, study circles, and cultural events. Public visibility varies by province and by local community dynamics.

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Legal and social conditions differ across regions. National frameworks set broad parameters, while local authorities interpret and implement policies within those bounds. Dialogue and coexistence are common in everyday life, though localized tensions can occur. Neutral, rights-respecting approaches remain important for both community well-being and social harmony.

Culture and governance

Indonesia’s national philosophy, local traditions, and legal frameworks shape how religion is practiced and governed. The result is a plural national system that affirms religious life while maintaining a civic and constitutional foundation that applies to all citizens.

Islam Nusantara and social practice

This framing helps communities connect religious life with local language, arts, and social norms.

Khasanah Islam Nusantara (Islam On The Archipelago)

A concise example is the village slametan, a communal meal and prayer gathering used to mark life-cycle events or express gratitude. In many places, pesantren education and Qur’anic recitation blend with cultural arts at celebrations, illustrating how religious devotion and local culture coexist in daily life.

In many places, pesantren education and Qur’anic recitation blend with cultural arts at celebrations, illustrating how religious devotion and local culture coexist in daily life. These expressions vary by region but share a common commitment to community cohesion.

Pancasila, pluralism, and Aceh’s legal exception

Pancasila—the state philosophy—provides a multi-faith foundation for Indonesia’s national identity and public policy. Most provinces follow national civil and criminal law, which applies to citizens regardless of religion. Within this overarching framework, religious courts address specific family law matters for Muslims, while similar mechanisms exist for other recognized faiths.

Aceh: 20 Years Of Syariah Law | Insight | CNA Insider

Aceh is a notable exception with special autonomy established by national statute (commonly referenced through the Law on the Governing of Aceh). Within constitutional limits, Aceh enforces certain Islamic bylaws (qanun), primarily for Muslims and within defined areas such as public morality and dress. National institutions retain ultimate constitutional authority, and implementation is meant to operate within Indonesia’s broader legal order.

Data sources and how we calculate estimates

Population figures and religious shares come from multiple sources, each with its own strengths. Presenting ranges—rather than a single number—acknowledges timing differences and ensures that readers see a realistic, up-to-date picture that will remain meaningful as datasets refresh.

Official statistics, surveys, and international datasets

Core inputs include the national census benchmark, ongoing administrative registers, and large household surveys. These are complemented by reputable international demographic projections that integrate fertility, mortality, and migration trends. Cross-checking helps align national and global views while flagging inconsistencies for review.

Statistics Indonesia Statistics for Better Life

Because release schedules differ, time lags are normal. One source may reference a mid-year population, while another uses start-of-year counts; some measure de facto residents, while others use de jure definitions. Religious identification can also be categorized differently across surveys and administrative records. To keep the article useful through routine revisions, we update ranges and note the underlying assumptions. Last updated: October 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of Indonesia’s population is Muslim?

About 86–87% of Indonesians are Muslim. For 2024, this corresponds to roughly 242–245 million people based on mid-year population baselines. Percentages may vary slightly by source and update cycle, so presenting a range is the most responsible approach.

Is Indonesia the largest Muslim-majority country in the world?

Yes. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population of any country. It remains ahead of Pakistan and India in total Muslims, even though those countries also have very large populations.

How many Muslims will Indonesia have in 2025?

A reasonable 2025 estimate is around 244–247 million Muslims. This assumes modest natural population growth and a stable share identifying as Muslim. Final figures depend on official mid-year projections and routine dataset updates.

What share of the world’s Muslims live in Indonesia?

Approximately 12.7–13% of the global Muslim population lives in Indonesia. The exact share can shift slightly when international demographic baselines are revised.

Is Indonesia mainly Sunni or Shia, and which legal school is common?

Indonesia is overwhelmingly Sunni, often described as around 99% of the Muslim population. The Shafi’i school of jurisprudence predominates in practice. Shia and Ahmadiyya communities are present but small.

How did Islam spread in Indonesia historically?

Islam spread primarily through trade, intermarriage, and Sufi-led cultural exchange from about the 13th to 16th centuries. Northern Sumatra and Java’s north coast were early hubs connected to Indian Ocean networks, which supported gradual and lasting adoption.

What is Indonesia’s Muslim population in crores?

In 2024, Indonesia has about 24.2–24.5 crore Muslims (1 crore = 10 million). Under baseline growth, the figure is likely to rise slightly in 2025.

Conclusion and next steps

Indonesia’s Muslim population is the largest in the world and represents roughly 86–87% of the national total—about 242–245 million people in 2024, with a likely increase to around 244–247 million in 2025. The country’s lead position globally is stable, contributing about 12.7–13% of all Muslims worldwide. Within Indonesia, Java concentrates the largest number of Muslims due to population density, while eastern provinces show greater religious diversity. A Sunni (Shafi’i) majority frames religious life, supported by nationwide organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, and expressed locally through traditions often described as Islam Nusantara.

These figures are best read as ranges that reflect regular updates to population baselines and survey measures of religious identity. Differences across sources typically arise from timing and definitions rather than substantive changes. Reviewing the latest releases from official statistics and recognized international projections helps maintain a clear, comparable picture over time. This approach ensures that the main conclusions—Indonesia’s overwhelming Muslim majority, steady growth, and global leadership by total Muslims—remain clear and reliable.