CIVIL SOCIETY PEACE EDUCATION: A PORTRAITOFTHE SUKOHARJO INTERFAITH COMMUNITYIN CENTRAL JAVA

Abstract

The presence of intolerant religious groups in MojolabanSukoharjo encourages civil society to voice harmony and peace. This research is a descriptive qualitative research with a sociology of religion approach. Data collection through direct observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Its data analysis uses interactive analysis models including data reduction, data delivery, and conclusions. PSAP together with the interfaith communities of Pelita, Purwakanthi, and WaskithaSukoharjo as part of the civil society socio-religious movement that actively develops a culture of peace through continuous life dialogue with various activities. First, PSAP through the interfaith community actively builds communication and dialogue among religious people and advocates for humanitarian and religious issues at the lower levels of society. Second, PSAP becomes a space for interfaith community encounters with activities in it inserted discussions about religious, social, and cultural themes as a form of life dialogue. Third, PSAP and interfaith communities empower the community with the aim of building a peaceful and respectful life between religious people in Sukoharjo. Fourth, through peace education, it is hoped that the people of Sukoharjo can have a dialogue and experience firsthand the religious life of each religion. This peaceful education is expected to give them new experiences about religious life so that there is no prejudice and mutual suspicion. Peace education through the dialogue model developed by PSAP is a sustainable life dialogue by emphasizing an inclusive and even pluralist perspective towards peace in society. This perspective emphasizes religion as a social ethic and spirit for the transformation of society in the midst of the diversity that exists in Sukoharjo