Religious Moderation Realizes Harmonization of The Malay Islamic Community in South Sumatra

Abstract

This study aims to examine the perspective of the Malay Islamic community on religious moderation in South Sumatra. In the context of increasing globalization, religious moderation is becoming an important and relevant issue, especially in the South Sumatra region which has a significant Malay Islamic population. This research uses quantitative methods with survey methods with stakeholders from various walks of life, including religious leaders, youth, and Malay communities. The results of the study show First, that there is general agreement that religious moderation in South Sumatra is expected to increase tolerance and unity among religious communities. However, there are also different perceptions, where some feel that religious moderation can threaten their traditional values and cultural identity. Second, the results of this study also found that the understanding of religious moderation in South Sumatra is strongly influenced by the local social, economic, and political context. The contribution of this research lies in a deeper understanding of the Malay Islamic community's perspective on religious moderation in South Sumatra. Third, the results of this study show the importance of strengthening strong local identities to support community participation in stable democratic processes and efforts to create a harmonious and inclusive environment in the region. Fourth, the results of this study also show that dialogue between religious communities and religious groups, can build better understanding between each other, reduce tensions, and create more solid conditions for democratic stability.