Strengthening Religious Moderation Through Local Wisdom in Creating Harmony Among Religious Communities

Abstract

This research is motivated by the urgency of strengthening religious moderation to foster interreligious harmony within a pluralistic society. By employing a local wisdom-based approach, communities in Puntukdoro Village, Plaosan District, Magetan Regency, and Bangunsari Urban Village, Dolopo District, Madiun Regency, demonstrate that values such as tolerance, mutual cooperation, and mutual respect are deeply embedded in their traditions. The designation of these two areas as pilot Religious Moderation Villages reflects a strategic effort to utilize local culture as a foundation for building a harmonious and peaceful social life. This study aims to explore how local wisdom can serve as an effective medium to reinforce religious moderation and prevent the emergence of intolerant attitudes within society. The objectives of this research are: (1) To describe the forms of local wisdom that strengthen religious moderation in order to create interreligious harmony in Puntukdoro Village and Bangunsari Urban Village. (2) To identify the roles of religious and community leaders in supporting religious moderation through local wisdom in these Religious Moderation Villages. (3) To analyze the impact of strengthening religious moderation based on local wisdom on interreligious harmony in both locations. This study employs a field research design with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques include interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis is based on the Miles, Huberman, and Saldana model, involving data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Data validity is ensured through triangulation techniques. The findings of this research are as follows: (1) Local wisdom practices in Puntukdoro and Bangunsari such as gotong royong (mutual cooperation), sinoman (voluntary assistance), kenduri (communal feasts), and musyawarah (deliberation) serve as strong foundations for reinforcing religious moderation and naturally sustaining interreligious harmony. (2) Religious and community leaders play a pivotal role as agents of harmony by exemplifying tolerance, fostering open communication, and actively engaging in socio-religious activities that create spaces for dialogue and strengthen interfaith solidarity. (3) The reinforcement of religious moderation based on local wisdom has produced transformative impacts by embracing differences as social assets, cultivating collective awareness to reject extremism, and fostering an inclusive, peaceful, and harmonious society amidst diversity.