Future Religious Education, The Case of Indonesia: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

As a nation with more than six religions, religious education in Indonesia is a compulsory subject for primary to tertiary level students. Considering the current condition where intolerance seems to be on the increase, learning and appreciating other religious views instead of merely one’s own has become a pressing need. Through literary analysis and personal interviews with teachers and religious leaders, this study explored views on the current challenges and the necessary approaches to religious education in Indonesia in the future. From the study, most participants showed an awareness of the need for a multi-faith approach, as well as a dialogical, critical, and open-minded approach to religious education. The study contributes to the literature that is focused on gaining a more holistic view of the multi-faceted society that will emerge between now and the year 2045 when students will live in a hyper-connected society. Keywords: Indonesia, Religious Education, Vision 2045, Pluralism, Tolerance