Religious education to develop respect for plurality in Indonesia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Given that Indonesian people adhere to various religions and beliefs, respect for plurality is needed. Religious education can play an important role in developing respect for plurality. The goal of this study was to understand the role of religious education in developing respect for plurality in Indonesia. This research applied qualitative and quantitative methods. The research samples were young people in Yogyakarta, especially university students. The results of this study indicated that the role of religious education in universities, in terms of fostering respect for plurality and nurturing positive attitudes among students towards plurality, was of very high quality. Lecturers taught students to become more open to other believers by inviting them to engage in interreligious dialogue or visit places of worship. The results of this study could serve as a means to discover ways to foster respect for plurality among young people and assist educators in finding the most effective approaches to their education.