NAVIGATING THE NEXUS: GOVERNMENT POLICIES IN CULTIVATING RELIGIOUS MODERATION WITHIN STATE ISLAMIC HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the implementation of religious moderation at the State Islamic Higher Education (PTKIN) in Indonesia through academic policies in the fields of education, research, and community service programs. It is based on the empirical examination of the spread of radical, extreme, and exclusive religious sects among higher education civitas academica in Indonesia. The research combines qualitative and quantitative approaches (mixed methods) simultaneously. Data sources were randomly obtained from leaders, lecturers, and students at PTKIN through interviews, observations, questionnaires, documentation, and focus group discussions. Data analysis was carried out through data reduction, data display, and data verification, as well as statistical analysis using the t-test with the SPSS 17.0 program. The results show that religious moderation has been promoted through academic policies in education, research, and community services, which aligns with Pancasila values as the Indonesian state philosophy. This finding is strengthened by the acquisition of a significant t-test < 0.05, which indicates that the academic policies provide crucial support for implementing religious moderation at PTKIN. Overall, this study confirms the idea that promoting religious moderation should be seen as a crucial shared agenda since it plays a pivotal role in determining the long-term viability of a country.