Pesantren, as traditional Islamic educational institutions in Indonesia, play a crucial role in shaping the character of students (santri). The robust tradition of these boarding schools has been instrumental in preserving the values of Islam’s religion and culture.
However, in the era of globalization and technological advancement, it is imperative for boarding schools to also embrace multicultural education. Multicultural education in Pesantren is a concept that promotes the appreciation of cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity, thereby nurturing students who are more tolerant, open-minded, and prepared to face an increasingly diverse world.
Multicultural education in Pesantren offers students the opportunity to comprehend and respect the cultural and religious diversity present in society. This is particularly important as Indonesia is a nation rich in cultural and religious diversity. Through multicultural education, students can learn about various traditions, customs, and religions prevalent in their surroundings, helping to mitigate stereotypes and prejudices against other groups.
The presence of multicultural education in Pesantren also contributes to enhancing tolerance among individuals. Students are taught to respect the beliefs and values of others without necessarily agreeing with them. This fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment within the boarding school, irrespective of cultural or religious backgrounds. Consequently, students become better equipped to contribute to social peace and interfaith harmony within society.
Furthermore, multicultural education can prepare students for an increasingly globalized world. In this era of globalization, the ability to interact with individuals from diverse cultures and religious backgrounds is of paramount importance. Students who possess a sound understanding of multiculturalism will be better prepared to participate in the international arena, be it in the context of business, education, or international relations.
Upon closer examination, multicultural education in Pesantren does not contradict the strong Islamic identity. On the contrary, it strengthens an open and inclusive Islamic identity. Islam itself is a religion that values diversity, and through multicultural education, students can gain a deeper understanding of the inclusive values within their religion. This can also help dispel misconceptions about Islam that often arise due to a lack of understanding.
Therefore, multicultural education in Pesantren also supports the fostering of constructive interfaith dialogues. Students trained in multiculturalism will be more capable of engaging in meaningful religious discussions without inciting conflict. This is crucial in promoting interfaith harmony in Indonesia, a nation frequently confronted with religious differences.
In implementing multicultural education, Pesantren can organize various activities such as seminars, workshops, and visits to different places of worship. Additionally, incorporating teaching materials that depict cultural and religious diversity into the curriculum is of utmost importance.
Consequently, Pesantren will continue to be strong Islamic educational institutions while simultaneously producing a generation of students who are more open-minded, tolerant, and prepared to face an increasingly multicultural world. With multicultural education, Pesantren will play a vital role in building a more harmonious and prosperous society in Indonesia.
*translated from here.