STRENGTHENING RELIGIOUS MODERATION TO FOSTER A HARMONIOUS SOCIETY

Abstract

Indonesia’s multicultural society is characterized by high religious diversity, which, while serving as social capital, also presents potential risks of conflict due to increasing intolerance and differing interpretations of religious teachings. This community service (PKM) activity addresses the problem of limited public understanding of religious moderation and the lack of educational initiatives promoting tolerance and harmony. The program aims to strengthen religious moderation to create a harmonious society in Sausu Village, Parigi Moutong Regency, Central Sulawesi. A participatory methodology was employed, including observation, interviews, documentation, and outreach through counseling and interactive discussions involving community leaders, youth, and residents. Findings indicate that prior to the intervention, community understanding of moderation was limited and largely focused on ritual aspects. However, after the program, participants demonstrated increased awareness of moderation values such as tawasuth, tasamuh, tawazun, and i’tidal, along with improved attitudes toward tolerance and social interaction. The integration of local cultural values such as gotong royong enhanced program effectiveness. Despite challenges such as limited time and varying educational backgrounds, the program successfully fostered active tolerance and community empowerment. In conclusion, strengthening religious moderation through community-based educational approaches is effective in promoting social harmony and preventing potential conflicts in pluralistic societies.