Multicultural Education in Nurcholish Madjid's Thought and Its Relevance to Religious Moderation in Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia, as a multicultural nation, boasts a high level of religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity, yet simultaneously faces challenges in the form of increasing intolerance and religious radicalism. This situation demands an educational approach capable of instilling values ​​of respect for diversity and moderate religious attitudes. This article aims to analyze the concept of multicultural education in the thinking of Nurcholish Madjid and its relevance to strengthening religious moderation in Indonesia. This research uses qualitative methods with a library research approach to Nurcholish Madjid's works and relevant scientific literature. The results indicate that Nurcholish Madjid's thinking positions plurality as a natural social reality that must be addressed openly, dialogically, and tolerantly. The values ​​of democracy, equality, social justice, and respect for humanity embodied in his thinking align with the principles of multicultural education and religious moderation. Implementing these values ​​in education has the potential to shape inclusive and moderate religious attitudes, while also serving as a preventative strategy to reduce intolerance and radicalism in Indonesia.