PERAN PENDIDIKAN AGAMA DALAM MENINGKATKAN TOLERANSI ANTARUMAT BERAGAMA: STUDI KASUS DI SMP NEGERI 3 UNGARAN

Abstract

This study aims to examine the strategic role of religious education in reducing the potential for intolerance among adolescents, with Ungaran State Junior High School No. 3 serving as the primary research site. This study addresses the urgent need for a model of religious education that is not only doctrinal but also functional in fostering harmony within a heterogeneous school environment characterized by religious diversity. A qualitative approach using an intrinsic case study design was employed, with data collection via participatory observation of school activities, analysis of curriculum and policy documents, and in-depth interviews with four key informants—school administrators, teachers, and Muslim and Christian students—to provide a rich, in-depth description. Findings indicate that the internalization of religious tolerance is most effective through a combination of dialectical discussions that foster interfaith dialogue and physical symbolization, such as inclusive worship facilities for all denominations. These interactions break down negative stereotypes, creating a strong sense of school inclusion. The practical implications call for a dialogic reform of multicultural education curricula, although the study is limited to a single case and a small number of informants, so generalizations require further study in different demographic contexts.