Harmony in Diversity: Exploring Religious Moderation Perspectives through Interfaith Dialogue

: Religious moderation becomes a catalyst for building a harmonious life in Indonesia. This research explores religious moderation from the perspective of religions in Indonesia, both theoretically and practically. This research uses a qualitative and comparative study approach to see the esoteric values in each religion related to religious moderation. The methods used for data collection include interviews, focus group discussions, and documentation studies. The analysis focused on verifying data from religious authorities and texts. The results of the study revealed that 1) religious moderation becomes urgent to internalize religious teachings substantively and to address the problem of violence in the name of religion, 2) religious moderation is in line with the universal values of all religions, 3) the term moderation or wasathiyah is found in the scriptures of each religion, 4) Interfaith dialogue is to foster a tolerant, peaceful, and harmonious atmosphere amidst diverse religious beliefs, thereby facilitating cross-religious cooperation.


INTRODUCTION
Currently, the phenomenon of religious diversity in Indonesia is confronted with three challenges.Firstly, extremist religious perspectives, attitudes, and practices that disregard human dignity.Secondly, the growth of subjective truth claims, the imposition of religious interpretations, and the potential influence of economic and political interests can trigger conflicts.Thirdly, the growing religious fervor does not align with the love for the nation within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia (Gultom, 2022;Prakosa, 2022;Saifudin, 2019).Religious issues arise due to our negative prejudices and an absolutist attitude, often believing it is the correctness (Gazali et al., 2023).If left unaddressed, these issues may escalate into conflicts and hostilities.Although religious moderation aims for harmony in human relations, particularly within matters of religion | 173

Religious Moderation in Caring for Indonesia
As a multicultural and diverse nation encompassing various religions, Indonesia has the potential to become a robust and unified nation.However, this religious diversity could be a source of conflict if not managed effectively.(Hadi &;Anggraeni, 2021;Muria et al., 2021).Nurcholis Majid highlights that each religion teaches a singular and universal truth, often leading its followers to perceive their faith as the truest.This predisposition creates conflict when adherents claim exclusivity, dismissing other beliefs as false or heretical (Darmaiza, 2005).This conflict occurs because of the inability of every religious believer to understand the message of monotheism, namely the One God.Where the manifestation of monotheism itself under each religion adheres to the same principle of surrendering to the Supreme Being.This essence encourages virtues among adherents and emphasizes respect for other religious beliefs, finding common ground or a shared platform, often referred to in Islamic terms as" kalimatun sawa" (Khoirul, 2021).
The reality of religious diversity in Indonesia portrays it as a mosaic that enhances the richness of the country's religious tapestry.Diversity, or pluralism, is deemed essential as it reflects the divine will, granting humans the wisdom to comprehend and collaborate with one another in goodness.However, it's crucial to acknowledge that diversity within and among religions holds the potential for conflicts (Anggraeni et al., 2023).Therefore, religious moderation serves to preserve equilibrium within the religious sphere, nurturing the social capital of the Indonesian populace.This resonates with a statement made by a Hindu religious leader: "Religious moderation is a middle ground in the midst of religious diversity in Indonesia.Religious moderation is very necessary to avoid the emergence of "Double-faced Religion," where at one time, religion often shows peace, safety, unity, and fraternity.Still, at another time, it shows a fierce face, causes conflict, and even wars between human beings" (MAA, 2023).
The goal of religious moderation itself is to deeply internalize religious teachings and to counteract violence propagated in the name of religion.Advocating the wasatiyah of moderation, a nonviolent approach, involves three key avenues (Khoirul, 2021;Saifudin, 2019): 1) Internally, religious moderation is promoted within each faith (intra-religion) by examining religion's intrinsic aspects.This entails fostering new ethics and spirituality that support nonviolent peace.Achieving this involves interpreting religious texts in ways that emphasize tolerant and inclusive attitudes based on human values.This effort is intertwined with the role of religious leaders in urging their followers to prioritize peace.2) Interfaith mechanisms play a crucial role in practicing moderate religion.This involves employing strategies like interfaith dialogue to cultivate openness and mutual understanding, fostering harmonious relationships through collaborative community activities.Embracing interfaith openness nurtures a spirit of tolerance, promoting an attitude of respect for other religions (Anggraeni &;Suhartinah, 2018).3) On a broader scale, moderate religious practices extend to international cooperation aimed at realizing peace.This entails collaborative efforts across borders and nations to foster global peace initiatives.
Recognizing and accepting local traditions as an integral part of religious moderation is imperative.Religion has evolved within cultures and traditions, becoming intertwined with them (Boenga, 2020).For example, the historical interaction between Islam and local cultures/traditions explains the development of an inclusive and tolerant Islam that embraces diversity.Similarly, the Volume 20 Nomor 2 2023 evolution of Hinduism in Indonesia diverges from its manifestation in India due to cultural influences.
Respecting and accepting local traditions signify an essential facet of religious moderation.These local traditions, originating independently of specific religious teachings, form the bedrock of people's virtues.Due to their neutral essence, local wisdom acts as fertile ground to nurture various religious teachings.This fertile ground of local wisdom has fostered an inclusive religious fabric across the archipelago, often serving as a cohesive force during religious conflict (Nifasri et al., 2021).The strategic significance of local wisdom is closely linked to its position within the cultural domain.Local wisdom epitomizes cultural knowledge, encapsulating noble values inherent in the local sphere and serving as the foundational roots of a community.Frequently, these local values precede the establishment of major religions.
Religious moderation is critical to Indonesia, a vast nation encompassing diverse tribes, religions, languages, and customs.According to the 2010 Central Statistics Agency Census, Indonesia comprises 1,340 ethnic groups and recognizes six religions, with more than 781 languages spoken across its regions.Religious moderation is also an endeavor to preserve Indonesian cultural values.The diversity of the Indonesians contains a very high potential for national disintegration.The diversity of cultures and religions will have potential if properly maintained and managed.However, it can also be a threat and source of conflict if not accompanied by a strong cultural understanding and commitment to maintaining diversity.Indonesian people have a lot of local wisdom (local wisdom), showing that maintaining the nation's integrity is a valuable social capital to view moderate religious attitudes and mindsets (Agama, 2019).The moderation extends beyond the nation's borders, resonating globally and aiming to create a platform for dialogue among religious communities spread across the globe.Embracing the reality of differences, the imperative lies in effectively managing and nurturing these distinctions, making it a global priority.

Religious Moderation in the Perspective of Religions
Every religion underscores the principle of complete surrender to the Almighty.This essence embeds the value of justice among individuals, recognizing them as fellow beings under the divine creator.Human beings are designated as stewards entrusted with the task of responsibly managing the Earth, guided by ethical principles to foster mutual benefit.This fundamental vision encapsulates one of the most pivotal teachings across religions.Religious moderation is one of the values and practices that helps Indonesia realize its benefits with its diversity.A moderate, fair, and balanced mental attitude is needed to manage diversity.Moderate teachings and behavior do not belong solely to one religion but exist in the traditions of various religions.Fair and balanced, highly upheld by all religious teachings.There is no religious teaching that advocates tyranny, or exaggeration (Saifudin, 2019).Lukman further explained that the teachings Wasatiyah, is one of the characteristics and essence of religious teachings.Wasatiyah, at least, has three meanings: first means middle, second means fair, and third means the best.Wasathiyah means something good and is in a position between two extreme poles.The concept of Wasatiyah is also understood by reflecting on the principles of moderation (Tawassuth), tolerance (Tasamuh), balance (Tawazun), and fairness (I'tidal).Thus, the term ummatan wasathan is also referred to as A Just People or A Just Community.
Religious moderation promotes a tolerant attitude towards differences; openness is realized through accepting religion (inclusivism), including religious differences.Religious moderation does not only belong to Islamic teachings; in the context of Christianity, religious moderation becomes a way of looking to mediate the extremities of the interpretation of Christian teachings that some of its people understand.In the Bible, as is the belief of Christians, it has been widely said that Jesus is the peacemaker.Informants of Christian religious figures revealed that: "There is not a single verse in the Bible that commands and invites people to do mischief, violence or even war.It teaches to bring about peace on this earth" (ABR, 2023) Religious moderation is found in Catholic teaching.The universal church has devised a new perspective in building relations with other religions through the momentum of the Second Vatican Council.The Second Vatican Council became one of the important moments for awakening the inclusive religious spirit in building universal brotherhood in the modern century.Important decrees in the Second Vatican Council that marked the Church's attitude towards other religions in the world were: Nostrae Aetate.In his presentation session, Catholic religious leaders revealed that: "Nostra Aetate affirms that the Catholic church does not reject anything true and holy in religions.In Catholic teaching, there is a fellowship of faith, hope, and love.All three are the attitudes of believers"(PDA, 2023) In Catholic doctrine, dialogue stands as the key to comprehending interreligious disparities.Through dialogue, efforts are made to comprehend and embrace all facets of differences while shedding biases against others, particularly those of differing faiths.Interreligious dialogue not only resolves prevalent conflicts but also prompts introspection among religious adherents regarding the essence of their religious identity.This principle finds affirmation in the Second Vatican Council, which emphasizes that Catholics should, with wisdom and compassion, engage in dialogue and collaboration with followers of diverse faiths.The aim is to acknowledge, uphold, and nurture their spiritual and moral treasures along with socio-cultural values (NA 2).
Religious moderation within Hinduism finds resonance in the concept of Tri Kaya Parisudha, emphasizing the paramount importance of aligning human thoughts, words, and actions for a harmonious life.This equilibrium necessitates stability, ensuring these aspects stay within the boundaries set by religious tenets, regulations, and equitable societal values (Adisastra &;Kristina, 2022).Conceptually, Hindu teachings manifest across three dimensions: Tattwa, Susila, and Ceremony, providing Hindus with a framework to engage in their religious practices (Gunawijaya, 2022).The Tattwa dimension particularly emphasizes religious moderation, guiding Hindus to refrain from exclusive beliefs while respecting and not negating other belief systems, a principle echoed throughout Hindu literature.
Religious moderation is in line with the Dharma teachings in the Vedic scriptures.If people who are steeped in religious teachings can show moderation, then people will make them role models.Therefore, it is important for people steeped in religious teachings to keep their thoughts, words, and actions in public.Religious moderation among Hindus strengthens individual awareness in practicing religious teachings.So far, Hindus have mostly practiced religious teachings communally (togetherness).Hindu religious informants revealed: "The most important teaching of Hinduism is morality, that is, how to maintain harmonious relations between human beings, which is one of the three causes of well-being".
Religious moderation is also found in Buddhism, which teaches moderate religious practice, avoiding extreme left and extreme right, and choosing the middle path (Majjhima Pattipada) as a guideline for life.During his teaching of the Dharma, Buddha never influenced anyone to follow His teachings, even giving people the freedom to choose the spiritual teacher they wanted without any coercion.One illustrative incident involves Buddha's encounter with the Kalamas, a group uncertain about which spiritual teacher to follow amid conflicting claims of superiority among various teachings.Sensing their dilemma, Buddha responded wisely: " O Kalama, do not simply believe and follow oral traditions, hereditary teachings, people's words, book collections, logical reasoning, reasoning by inference, contemplation of reason, acceptance of views after thinking about them, speakers who seem convincing, or because you think, 'That ascetic is our teacher'.But after you know for yourself, 'these things are useless, these things can be reproached; these things are avoided by the wise; if carried out and practiced, will cause harm and suffering', you must abandon them." The Buddha's discourse on the Kalama tribe resonates profoundly, showcasing remarkable moderation, democratic values, and rationality.His teachings eschewed coercion, emphasizing the importance of withholding belief in any teaching without prior evidence.The Kalama Sutta, found in Angutara Nikaya 3.65, encapsulates the essence of religious moderation by refraining from proclaiming absolute truth and denying other teachings.
Buddhist scriptures also teach that the spirit of religion is Metta, a teaching that holds fast to love without favoritism based on human values: tolerance, solidarity, equality, and nonviolence.Buddhists' lives run on human values translated into compassion, tolerance, and equality.Informants from Buddhist religious figures revealed that: Buddhist scriptures also emphasize the core of Metta, the spirit of love devoid of "Buddhadharma is a middle way that is an important aspect of Buddhist spirituality that strongly avoids two extremes: self-torture (attakilamathanuyoga) and indulgence (kamalusukhalikanuyoga). Buddhadharma is the path of spirituality to holiness that leads to true happiness and wisdom" (MGL, 2023).
Junzi (faithful and noble) Confucians always look at the life of this world in the eyes of this world Yin Yang.Yin-Yang can be understood as a middle attitude, not an extreme attitude.The middle attitude does not mean it has no principles, but it is fixed in principle.The code favors love -humanity (ren) and justice -truth (yi) and nothing else.In alignment with this principle, a man of faith and nobility will always act moral (li) and wise (zhi) so that with it will become a trustworthy (xin) and courageous (yong) man (Kemenag, 2019;Khoirul, 2021).Confucians are obliged to interpret faith and always animate all efforts in fostering and building religious life.In a text, it is revealed that: "A Junzi glorifies three things: glorifies the Word of God Almighty, glorifies the great men (Saints) and glorifies the Word of the Prophets".(Lun Yu XVI:8).It turns out that both the Ancient Prophet and the Prophet later, the direction is similar" (Mengzi IV B: 1).
From this expression, it is clear that the universal view of Kongziism, which respects and upholds the teachings of other religions, as well as the orientation of Confucianism towards world peace (Kusmanto &;Wakhudin, 2023).

Foundations of Religious Moderation in Every Religion
Religious moderation, as stated by religious leaders, is not something new; in essence, all religious teachings teach its adherents to be fair and balanced in living life.Wasatiyah, or religious moderation manifests distinctively within each faith, yet each shares principles that steer adherents toward a balanced and middle path (Sutrisno, 2019).These teachings are prevalent across the scriptures of various religions.As taught in the scriptures of each religion.from extremism, both in worldly desires and in spiritual life.
those emotions."Not to do evil, to cultivate merit, to purify one's mindthis is the Teaching of the Buddhas".6 Confucianism Confucianism emphasized the importance of balanced and ethical action in daily life.The principle of moderation is reflected in teachings on wise governance, harmonious social relations, and respect for traditional values.
Lunyu (Analects) (Chapter 6, verse 28): "Balance in everything is the key to wisdom.Harmony among men is the result of paying attention to the middle."

Interfaith Dialogue: Forms of Religious Moderation
To counter radical movements and terrorism, an inclusive approach to religion is essential.This inclusive concept is often referred to as religious moderation.Therefore, advocating for this movement toward religious moderation within the larger community is highly valuable.This idea of religious moderation has emerged as a tangible strategy to combat radicalism and intolerance.Discussing religious moderation within the interfaith dialogue in the Indonesian context holds significant importance.According to Azyumardi Azra, to build harmonious relations between religious communities and create an inclusive atmosphere in the religious (Azra, 2015).Then, it takes the ability of each religious group to deepen its understanding of other denominations' doctrines and practices as a priority.The mutual relationship in question is how each religion understands its teachings without blaming each other between different groups so that the atmosphere of relations between religions can run well and create an atmosphere that is tolerant and harmonious (Dodego & Witro, 2020).
Interfaith Dialogue refers to the positive and cooperative interaction between people of different religions, faiths, or spiritual beliefs to promote understanding between different religions to increase acceptance and tolerance.Constructing dialogue between religions means understanding, through cooperation, the different religious principles and teachings that should benefit all of humanity by promoting mutual respect and tolerance.It means coming together and sharing aspects of their respective faiths and striving to understand that which is a foreign (Cultural, n.d.).
Interfaith dialogue is often misunderstood and viewed with suspicion.This suspicion arises from the assumption that interfaith dialogue may lead to religious conversions.Another suspicion is that dialogue is seen as an effort to create a blending of religious beliefs.The actual purpose of collective activities in interfaith dialogue is to assist fragmented and compartmentalized communities to understand and respect each other.One form of religious moderation practice that has been carried out between religions is by conducting interfaith dialogue.As one informant said that, "Interfaith dialogue is one of the right ways to cultivate harmonious and harmonious life among all religious communities who are now in the era of globalization and plurality civilization" (ABR, 2023) Other informants suggested that interfaith dialogue has been exemplified in fighting for Indonesian independence, with deliberation between religious leaders in formulating this diverse Indonesian state to remain harmonious.
"Dialogue is a very decisive capital for the realization of a nation that is Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which is united in plurality, and plural in unity.So is dialogue between religious leaders" (AM, 2023) Interreligious dialogue, particularly in Indonesia, nurtures mutual understanding, tolerance, and peace among diverse religious communities.Its primary aim is to foster a harmonious coexistence, nurturing tolerance, openness, mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation among followers of different faiths.The key objectives involve uniting hearts and minds among diverse religious groups to mitigate suspicions of religious intervention or expansion from one community to another.It strategically endeavors to establish interreligious cooperation (Tibi, 1996).Strengthening religious moderation through interfaith dialogue can bridge the harmonization of inter-religious harmony (Sukri, 2009).This is in line with what Hans Kung said, giving a very impressive thesis: no ordering of the world without a world ethic; no peace among the nations without peace among the religions; no peace among the religions without dialogue among the religions (Küng, 1991).
Interreligious dialogue must be recognized as one of the important ways to cultivate harmonious and harmonious life among all religious people.Every religion is responsible for solving the various problems of human life and nation.The importance of interreligious dialogue cannot be separated from various conflicts that occur based on religion.According to Hayat three factors cause Religious conflict: 1) endogenous (a narrow level of religious understanding, 2) religious formalism, 3) exogenous (global issues, economic inequality and sociopolitical injustice, discriminatory treatment, majority-minority terminology, and interference with interests) and relational (ethnic exclusivism) and relational (ethnic exclusivism) (Hayat, 2013).
As a multireligious nation, interreligious dialogue can be participatory cooperation in all matters.Here, an attitude of honesty, openness, maturity, inclusive global thinking, and awareness of togetherness is needed.Interreligious dialogue doesn't solely focus on creed-specific issues from each religion.Instead, it centers on communal concerns of shared importance, fostering discussions on societal matters that unite religions.This approach allows each faith to offer encouragement and motivation to their respective followers for contributing to developmental successes or shaping ethical codes for interfaith relations.Consequently, interfaith dialogue and collaboration serve as a strategic avenue to fortify religious moderation in Indonesia.

CONCLUSION
Based on the analysis and discussion of data collected through research, it can be concluded that all religions teach to be moderate.Religious moderation does not belong to just one religion.The construction of religious moderation can be seen in the scriptural teachings of each religion.Religious moderation is in line with universal values within each religion.
The concept of wasatiyah, moderation is found in Islamic teachings with the principle of justice and balance, Catholic teachings with love as a form of apostolic faith, Christian teachings with love, love, and forgiveness, Hindu teachings with Tri Kaya Parisudha, karma yoga, Buddhism with Majjhima Pattipada and Confucian teachings through the principle of Yin and Yang balance.