Teaching Peace: A Blueprint for Interfaith Harmony through Cultural Programmes in Religious Institutions

Abstract

This study aims to explore the role of religious educational institutions in promoting peace-building by examining the programmes implemented at Klaten Hindu Dharma College, Central Java. Specifically, it investigates how these programmes foster interfaith harmony, respect, and social solidarity in a pluralistic society.  A qualitative research design with a sociology of religion approach was employed, utilising non-participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis to gather in-depth insights into the institution's peace-building practices.  The research found that peace-building programmes, including Pasraman Astika Siddhi, blood donation drives, and youth exchanges, effectively promote tolerance and respect among diverse religious communities. The success of these initiatives is attributed to their foundation in Hindu teachings and local cultural values, fostering a harmonious campus environment and strengthening ties with the surrounding community.  These findings suggest that religious educational institutions can play a transformative role in peace-building by integrating cultural values and community engagement into their programmes. Such institutions offer a replicable model for fostering interfaith harmony and tolerance from an early age, contributing to broader societal peace.  This study provides a unique perspective on peace-building by focusing on an educational setting within a religious institution, a context often overlooked in existing literature. It highlights the potential for religious colleges to serve as agents of social harmony, addressing the challenges of interreligious conflict through culturally informed and values-based approaches.