The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Creating Conflict Resolution through Multicultural Education

Abstract

Dermolo as one of the villages in Kembang, Jepara, was ever hit by a conflict under a religious background.
This friction involved Islamic and Christian groups. The dispute between the two groups increasingly
culminated and seemed to have no end without the presence of the Nation. When the Regional Government
of Jepara encountered a deadlock in breaking down this social conflict, the presence of a civil society
organization was necessary. Lakpesdam NU Jepara since 2014 up to now has been trying to extinguish
the fire of conflict in Dermolo which was initially triggered by disputes over the use of a worship place.
Through a qualitative descriptive approach by utilizing the theory of conflict resolution and multicultural
education, this paper finally succeeds in mapping the four multicultural education patterns used by
Lakpesdam NU. Those are economic empowerment, religious approaches, empowering women, and
empowering village cadres. The result of this academic discourse at the same time provides an alternative
methodological offer that can be replicated by the stakeholders of the policymakers, for example, the
Regional Government and the relevant Regional Apparatus Organization. It can be used as a prototype for
civil society organizations and peace activists in settling disputes wrapped in religious sentiment. This kind
of inclusive pattern is considered as quite successful as a conflict resolution strategy. Lakpesdam NU Jepara
is the only institution that has the sympathy of the residents and the Dermolo Government because it has
contributed positively to restoring social harmony between Christian and Islam groups.