THE URGENCY OF RELIGIOUS MODERATION TO PREVENT RADICALISM AND MAINTAIN UNITY IN SUKUN GEMPOL VILLAGE

Abstract

Indonesia is a multicultural country, with various ethnicities, cultures, religions and beliefs. Diversity will produce differences that can lead to conflict, inequality and division. To minimize this, the government implemented a religious moderation program in Indonesia, the program has started since 2019 under the auspices of the Ministry of Religion. Last June, the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Malang City launched one of the villages located in Tanjungrejo Village, namely the Sukun Gempol Religious Moderation Village, with the aim of establishing a harmonious life between religious communities. This article aims to discuss the urgency of religious moderation in Indonesia, especially in Sukun Gempol village. The method used is qualitative research method, this research is a field study (field research) by presenting it in descriptive form, the data is obtained by direct observation to the field and interviewing community leaders, religious leaders and the local community. This research concludes that the existence of a religious moderation program can produce a fair and balanced religious life that views, responds to, and practices its own religion exclusively and respects the religious practices of people with different beliefs inclusively, and there is a harmonious life.