Role of Perceived Religious Values to Facilitate Predictors of Public Trust in Government: The Case of a Muslim-Majority Culture

Abstract

Grounded in good governance theory, this research investigated the direct and indirect relationships of Perceived Transparency (PT) and Perceived Responsiveness (PR) with the Overall Public Trust in Government (OPTIG) in the presence of Perceived E-Governance Effectiveness (PEGE) and Perceived Religious Value (PRV) as a mediator. Using a quantitative field survey approach, data were obtained from 511 respondents from Medan and Banjarmasin, Indonesia. Data analysis was performed using SmartPLS3 software. Results showed that PT, PR, PEGE, and PRV positively influenced OPTIG. Also, the mediatory roles of the PEGE and PRV were significant, revealing the importance of the government’s use of information and communication technology and religious scholars’ positive role in developing and enhancing the public’s trust in the government.