Religious Coexistence in Pendowoharjo Village, Yogyakarta: Examining the Role of Education in Religious Communities as an Effort Towards Peace

Abstract

Pendowoharjo Village, Yogyakarta, is a suburban area undergoing urbanization. Amidst the general trend that suburban areas are prone to interfaith conflict due to competition over resources and public space, Pendowoharjo Village actually demonstrates harmonious interfaith relations, as seen in its inclusive social interactions. The religious diversity in this village, which consists of Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu communities, does not cause friction, but rather demonstrates tangible forms of tolerance and cooperation. This article aims to understand the role of education in creating a democratic space for the development of interfaith harmony. This study attempts to fill a gap in the literature on religious harmony, which tends to focus on religious moderation or tolerance in a theoretical context. This study uses a qualitative approach with field case studies. Case studies were chosen to gain an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of religious harmony in Pendowoharjo Village, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. Data was collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Informants consisted of religious leaders, village officials, community members, and other stakeholders. The results of the study show that the people of Pendowoharjo Village have succeeded in building and maintaining harmonious religious harmony despite religious diversity. There are no significant social or religious conflicts in this village. In fact, there are four places of worship in one neighborhood unit located close to each other, indicating a high level of social tolerance. One tangible example of this harmony is the donation of waqf land by a Muslim family for the construction of Pura Karang Gede, a Hindu place of worship. One of the main factors contributing to this harmony is education. The existence of Islamic boarding schools and other religious institutions provides the community, including children and young people, with a moderate and inclusive understanding. Religious education is aimed at fostering tolerance and respect for differences. This makes the village a concrete and potential example as a national model for building a peaceful and prosperous pluralistic society. The practice of coexistence in Pendowoharjo Village is worthy of being used as a model for other communities in the context of inclusive social development. This article offers significant opportunities for discussion at international conferences, as it provides relevant empirical case studies for understanding and developing strategies for religious coexistence in multicultural societies globally.