IMPLEMENTATION OF RELIGIOUS MODERATION IN THE INDICATOR OF LOCAL CULTURE'S ACCEPTANCE TOWARDS BANTENGAN CULTURE IN POLOWIJEN

Abstract

Indonesia as a multicultural country, often faces challenges in maintaining social balance amidst diverse cultures and religions. Religious moderation, as a key pillar in creating a harmonious society, must involve national commitment, tolerance, an anti-violence stance, and acceptance of local culture. This study focuses on the implementation of religious moderation in the context of local cultural acceptance by examining the Bantengan art form in Polowijen, Malang City. Bantengan is a traditional performance art that combines elements of dance, martial arts, music, and chants with a strong magical ambiance. The research method employed in this study is a qualitative approach using descriptive qualitative methods and literature review. The subject of the study is the community in Polowijen. Data collection techniques involve interviews and literature review. The data obtained from these methods will be analyzed using qualitative data analysis techniques. The findings indicate that the presence of Bantengan reflects a significant acceptance and appreciation of local cultural heritage in harmony with religious values. This study contributes to the understanding of how religious moderation can maintain a balance between cultural preservation and religious practices in a pluralistic society.