The role of schools in promoting religious tolerance in multicultural communities in basarang sub-district, central Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Abstract

Conflict is an inevitable occurrence in multicultural societies due to the diverse ethnic differences and varying cultural and traditional norms. Schools are believed to play a crucial role in mitigating such conflicts. This study aims to examine the extent to which schools contribute to reducing conflicts in social life. The research was conducted in Basarang school, where the strategies employed by the school to address conflicts and promote tolerance in social and religious contexts were documented. The findings revealed that the school adopts several approaches, including: (1) Implementing consistent policies that provide equal educational opportunities for minority students; (2) Incorporating multicultural education, where teachers and the school community exemplify positive values; and (3) Collaborating with teachers, community members, and religious leaders to foster religious tolerance by respecting and embracing religious differences among the diverse ethnicities in Basarang. Consequently, the outcomes of this study can serve as valuable insights to minimize religious and social conflicts that commonly arise in communities, not only in the city of Basarang but also in other areas.