International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Topics 168

Volume 2, Issue 8, August 2021

[Link] | ISSN (Online): 2582-7839

Multicultural Value of Education in Forming the

Community’s Religious Attitude
Carlan1, Cecep Sumarna2, Dedi Djubaedi3, Siti Fatimah4, Abdurrahman Mas’ud5 , Jamali6,
Didin Nurul Rosidin7, Abas Hidayat8*
1,8
Doctoral Student, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Syekh Nurjati, West Java, Indonesia
2,3,6
Professor, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Syekh Nurjati, West Java, Indonesia
4,7
Lecturer, Faculty of Ushuluddin Adab and Dakwah, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Syekh Nurjati, West Java,
Indonesia
5
Professor, Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo, Semarang, Indonesia

Abstract: The diversity of society can be seen from the culture modification of stereotypes and led to the trend of increased
with diverse religious backgrounds. This study aims to show a feelings of friendship [2], however, there is a part that leads to
portrait of community diversity which is reflected in the attitude the attitude and behavior of isolation, rejection and hostility
of tolerance for religious diversity and can be managed properly
through a harmonious portrait of diversity. The method used is between groups [3].Conflict occurs often exploit religious
qualitative with a phenomenological approach. This type of sentiments are interpreted narrowly, including a variety of other
research places the researcher as the main tile and instrument. interests (economic, political, social and cultural values, and
Data was collected by observation, interviews and documentation advances in information technology and transportation). Until
studies. Data analysis uses data reduction, data display and today it is not the case, due to local knowledge can facilitate
conclusion drawing, strengthened by triangulation analysis. The communication and consultation which invites people to live in
results of the study show that differences in beliefs and/or religions
are integrated with Sundanese culture as a binder of togetherness harmony. Indonesia, with its multiculturalism, finds it difficult
among the people. Multicultural values include: living in to avoid social conflicts. According to the study of
differences, mutual trust and understanding, mutual respect, open anthropology and sociology, the diversity of a nation can be
thinking, appreciation and interdependence, non-violent conflict potentially positive and vice versa [4]. Because conflict and
resolution. Pluralism is God's law, so religion or belief in God violence are actual and historical realities, it is justified that acts
should not be forced on anyone. This is reinforced by data on the of violence become mental behavior (mindset) and collective
index of religious harmony in three dimensions, namely
perceptions of tolerance between religious believers (64.14% with reasoning that is owned by society and individuals.
an interval of 3.72); the attitude of equality between religious Multicultural nationality is co-opted by logocentrism, a
communities (65.71% with an interval of 3.80); and inter-religious hegemonic interpretation of groups outside the group. The
cooperation (73.60% with an interval of 4.14). understanding of community theology is exclusive, so that
societal bonds collectively do not apply to members of other
Keywords: Multicultural, diversity, religious, education value. groups [5].
The arrangement and maintenance of community harmony
1. Introduction and social stability requires appropriate and effective policies.
Indonesia is one of the largest multicultural countries in the Governments are required to give space for the growing attitude
world [1]. There are more than 1,340 tribes using 652 different of pluralism in public life by building a plurality commitment
local languages. Religions and beliefs embraced include multi- within the confines of the rule of law, in order to distinguish
religion. Tolerance in reality gives the color of attitude, namely between tolerance and intolerance, between difference and
the attitude of letting others be different (indifference), the deviation. In the Kuningan area, West Java, Indonesia has so far
attitude of understanding and accepting different people, the been categorized as a dynamic society. Some of the people there
attitude of working with other people who are different. adhere to the Ahmadiyah Islamic sect and various other
Religion is legitimized to commit violence or intolerance in the religious sects. The social system is closely related to people's
name of religion. Relations among religious is very sensitive beliefs. The government's religious perspective needs to pay
with regard to social relations between groups of people in attention to policy derivatives related to populist and adaptive
society. Relations between different racial and ethnic public interests. If the policy is not populist and not adaptive to
communities often lead to openness and understanding of the community environment, counter-productive events can
fundamental values and principles. That relationship led to the occur. This condition can encourage resistance by the

*Corresponding author: abasstikescirebon@[Link]

Carlan et al. International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Topics, VOL. 2, NO. 8, AUGUST 2021 169

community causing social instability. in the form of a sharper picture of the results of observations
Multicultural be interpreted as recognition of the dignity of and interviews; 2) data display; 3) Conclusion and verification.
human beings who live in a particular community with Although basically this research is qualitative, related to
ownership of their respective cultures that are quite unique [6], religious attitudes, the researcher adds supporting data in the
[7]. This view is called the politics of recognition. form of descriptive quantitative data that describes the index of
Multiculturalism as the belief that ethnic groups or cultures can religious harmony in Cigugur. This quantitative supporting data
live together in peace marked by the willingness of its members is intended as a form of confirmation of the qualitative analysis
to respect the existence of other cultures [4]. Values developed carried out by the author.
in society, for example, living in differences, mutual trust and
understanding, mutual respect, open-mindedness, appreciation 3. Results and Discussion
and interdependence, conflict resolution and non-violent
A. Portrait of diversity society
reconciliation [5]. To understand multicultural values, there are
four core values, namely: 1) Appreciation of the reality of life Geographically, Cigugur is located west of the city of
with cultural plurality in society; 2) Recognition of the dignity Kuningan, West Java, Indonesia. Cigugur with all its pluralism
and human rights of every human being; 3) Development of consists of various ethnic and ethnic groups, religions and
responsibility of the world community as a whole; 4) beliefs living in harmony. Cigugur is dominated by ethnic
Development of human responsibility towards planet earth. The Sundanese, then Javanese, Batak, Chinese, Maluku, Bugis,
essence of it is an attitude of religious diversity, namely faith. Madura and Minang. Religions and beliefs consist of Islam as
Religion is the attitude or awareness of a person to carry out the majority, then Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism,
religion based on belief. Religious attitudes are formed because Hinduism, and other cults. From a socio-cultural perspective,
of the complex integration between the firm belief of religious Cigugur has ethnic and religious diversity.
teachings (cognitive component), the fun of the religion (an Cigugur society carries the motto regions cultural and
effective component) and behavior in accordance with the religious tourism. Cigugur society tends to be religious and
teachings of religion. Religious attitude is not congenital, but multireligious. Various religions live and develop side by side
the acquisition or establishment after birth [8].The complexity as can be seen from the various Sundanese traditional religious
of the diversity that occurs in society is the basis of this and cultural activities that are carried out regularly. The
research, which aims to explore the diversity of society, the existence of DKM (Masjid Prosperity Council) as an effort to
education of multicultural values that are embraced, and the create a religious society, is supported by the availability of
implementation model of multicultural values education in various worship facilities. The worship facilities in Cigugur are
shaping people's religious attitudes. well maintained. With regard to religious life, Cigugur is a
region with unique diversity because in one family there is
2. Methods religious diversity, between the religions of parents and their
children are different.
This study uses a qualitative approach. The results in this
study are not just a collection of information data, but are B. Education of Multicultural Values Adhered to by the
organized in a certain and meaningful thought structure to Society
explain the problem under study [9] – [11]. This qualitative 1) Living in a difference
approach is focused on phenomenology that contains historical The people of Cigugur live in the midst of different beliefs
value [12]. Research site in Cigugur, Kuningan, West Java, and still display peace and togetherness, such as mutual
Indonesia with a population of 44,941. This study identifies the cooperation among them. This state of full harmony is based on
symptoms in society about religious tolerance in Cigugur. the awareness of equal rights as citizens and mutual respect for
1) Primary and secondary data each difference. Cigugur society togetherness can be seen, for
Primary data were obtained from observations and example who died were buried in the same location, although
interviews with religious and community leaders, social different beliefs. Various religious symbols become grave
experts, and others. Sources of secondary data obtained by markers with religious values. In addition, togetherness is also
reviewing various references such as journals on religious seen in weddings. The Cigugur society has a family and is not
harmony, multiculturalism and other supporting books relevant allowed to practice polygamy and divorce. Such acts can be
to the research theme. considered as forbidden.
2) Data collection technique Prince Djatikusumah, a traditional leader in Cigugur, adheres
Data collection techniques were carried out through to the Sunda Wiwitan belief, but does not close himself to
interviews with religious leaders, community leaders, differences, including in his family. Her first child is a Christian
researchers, experts, and others. Observations are made by girl and becomes a Bethel Pastor in Cirebon. His second son,
observing all people's behavior in socializing in socio-religious Rama Anom, his potential successor in leading the customs in
practices. Documentation studies were carried out by making Cigugur adheres to the Sunda Wiwitan belief. Other children
data in Cigugur Village related to community activities in follow Islam, Catholicism, and Sunda Wiwitan. The Sundanese
religious social interactions. people have Sunda Wiwitan adherents who hold to
3) Data analysis togetherness. This happens because basically humans must
Data analysis was carried out in three steps: 1) Data reduction adhere to the life principle of welas asih (affection), undak usuk
Carlan et al. International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Topics, VOL. 2, NO. 8, AUGUST 2021 170

(language etiquette), tatakrama (manners), wiwaha yudha raga white glasses. With regard to the differences in Cigugur,
(war on the body) with the culture and cultivation they have. religious awareness must be based on the principles of divinity,
Differences in beliefs in the family do not make the family humanity and nationality. Absolute religious attitudes in
divided, but uphold togetherness. various cases of inter-religious and inter-cultural interactions
One of the activities carried out by the community Cigugur can give birth to truth claims that can grow the seeds of
society is Seren Taun. Seren Taun is a traditional activity radicalism by justifying all means. For humans, divinity and
carried out in Cigugur that involves all people regardless of humanity are Fitrah. A multiculturalist must practice religion
religious background. Cigugur has a close relationship with according to his abilities and be accompanied by an awareness
Sundanese culture and indigenous peoples in other places, such that pluralism is natural and humans are part of the product of
as: (1) Urang Kanekes or Baduy people in Lebak Regency, history.
Banten Province, (2) Kampung Naga community in 5) Appreciation and interdependence
Tasikmalaya Regency, (3) Cikondang community in Garut Social values that are based on an awareness of pluralism will
Regency, and (4) the people of Kampung Mahmud in Bandung give birth to a better life and high human values. The society
Regency, West Java. will automatically show appreciation and maintain mutual
2) Mutual trust and understanding attachment to each other. Therefore, it is necessary to build
Mutual trust as a set of values or norms owned by the community interdependence from various differences in
community to create cooperation. This value provides religious traditions. With regard to the attitude of solidarity
awareness about the life of a multicultural society to understand among the citizens of Cigugur, it has become a commitment
each other's differences and complement each other and among the people to do well to anyone, cooperate and help each
contribute to dynamic life relations. Mutual trust and other, regardless of religion or ethnicity. The position of the
understanding in the life of the multi-religious Cigugur society Muslim community in particular, in the Seren Taun activity
is the key to people's lives to create harmony. Differences in institutionally does not participate, but it has become the
beliefs become colors for life. commitment of the Muslim community to respect the activity
This multicultural value can be seen in the annual community as an activity or event.
event. All religious adherents are involved in this activity. 6) Conflict resolution and nonviolent reconciliation
Togetherness is also supported by ties of blood and descent. The presence of the Kuningan Religious Harmony Forum
Mutual understanding can also be seen in the commemoration (FKUB) in 2006, can be a medium to bring together
of religious holidays, such as Idul Fitri and Idul Adha. They representatives of all religious communities. FKUB acts as a
gather and participate in helping with the preparations for the mediator in resolving religious conflicts. Religious plurality in
celebration. This mutual trust was built because of the role of Cigugur is a wealth that can make a positive contribution in
religious leaders and community leaders in maintaining creating community welfare, on the other hand as a potential
harmony in Cigugur. Harmony and peace in people's lives result conflict. If development is not evenly distributed, it creates gaps
from the pattern of adaptation of society to culture. in society and triggers the birth of conflict. Local governments
3) Mutual respect are required to play a role in early prevention efforts by means
Religious differences for the citizens of Cigugur became the of equitable development and the establishment of targeted
initial basis for unity and strength to create inter-religious regulations.
harmony. All religions have a mission to bring peace and Since the management of the FKUB was formed in 2006
harmony, because they are both creatures of God. Sundanese until now, various potential cases of inter-religious conflict can
culture and kinship ties for the Cigugur people become the grip be resolved properly through a persuasive and familial
of life, so that there is an attitude of tolerance. Tolerance for approach. For the people of Cigugur, gotong royong is a
religious diversity in Cigugur can be seen in the community's medium to strengthen the community, in addition to the Seren
slogan “Gotong Royong Sauyunan Bhineka Tunggal Ika, Hidup Taun tradition. Catholics appreciate this tradition. They assume
Tentram Ayem Dina keberagaman”. that it is a hereditary tradition that must be preserved. Based on
Tolerance in the Cigugur community, for example, can be conflict theory, if in society there are various religions with
seen during Ramadhan, the attitude of always respecting almost the same quantity, then the potential for conflict is large.
Muslims who are fasting by closing food stalls during the day. However, in Cigugur, they live in harmony and the spirit of
If there is a food stall that violates a warning to stop the activity. togetherness.
When Muslims celebrate Idul Fitri, people from other religions Relations between various religions in Cigugur are relatively
come to visit their homes and wish Muslims a happy Eid. In good, because they are accustomed to a pluralistic life. In
addition, the key to peace is the respective religious leaders. addition, there are strong hereditary relationships. They are not
Religious leaders are assigned to be the key to the preservation closed and form their own community, even though their
of local culture. The influence of each religious figure in ancestors are Muslim, it does not guarantee that their children
Cigugur strengthens efforts to maintain togetherness in a and grandchildren are also Muslim. They choose beliefs
multicultural society. without any coercion, without demands for descent and kinship,
4) Open in thinking but they choose beliefs according to their respective
Everyone needs to have multicultural diversity so that they consciences.
don't see differences in religious teachings through black and Conflicts in society are difficult to eliminate, but can be
Carlan et al. International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Topics, VOL. 2, NO. 8, AUGUST 2021 171

anticipated and resolved with solutions based on human values. shows that the average equality variable between religious
Education is the most appropriate vehicle to build awareness of communities is 3.80. This shows that the equality between
multiculturalism. Education gives birth to awareness of religious communities in Cigugur is classified as high, which is
multicultural life without state hegemony and co-optation. This between 3.4 - 4.1. The third variable is inter-religious
effort can be achieved if there is a paradigm shift in education, cooperation. In the inter-religious cooperation variable, higher
such as uniformity towards a single identity, respect and results were obtained than the previous two variables. The
appreciation for diversity to create harmony. However, this is percentage of respondents who answered "Agree" and
needed not only at the level of paradigms and concepts, but also "Strongly Agree" cumulatively on this cooperation variable was
implemented in action. Differences in beliefs are lived with full 73.60%. This figure shows the high tolerance between religious
togetherness. The process towards togetherness in life is not communities in Cigugur in terms of social aspects. The variable
easy, because the ego and truest feelings must be put aside, not of inter-religious cooperation in Cigugur shows a very high
forcing others to believe what is considered true. level of 4.12. The cumulative of the three variables for the
The description of multicultural value education in Cigugur respondents' answers "Agree" and "strongly agree" is 68.49%.
described above includes 1) Living in Difference; 2) Mutual The index of religious harmony in Cigugur, cumulatively from
Trust and Understanding; 3) Mutual Respect; 4) Openness in the three aspects of attitudes towards differences, equality, and
Thinking; 5) Appreciation and Interdependence; 6) Conflict inter-religious cooperation, is in the high category of 3.89.
Resolution and Nonviolent Reconciliation. In addition, it is also
added with the support of quantitative data regarding the 4. Conclusion
perceptions and attitudes of the Cigugur community towards The diversity is reflected in the attitude of tolerance. Trust
differences in religion and belief, equality, and inter-religious can be managed properly through a harmonious portrait of
cooperation. The index of religious harmony in Cigugur based diversity. Differences in beliefs (religion) are integrated with
on data obtained through a questionnaire focused on three Sundanese culture as a binder of togetherness among the
aspects, namely perceptions of inter-religious tolerance, inter- people. Society displays harmony and cooperation in various
religious tolerance, and inter-religious cooperation. aspects of life. The multicultural values embraced include:
The first aspect that is measured in this quantitative data is living in differences, mutual trust and mutual understanding,
the attitude towards differences and tolerance among religious mutual respect, open thinking, appreciation and
believers. The cumulative mean index value of attitudes interdependence, non-violent conflict resolution.
towards differences and tolerance among religious believers in
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