Tolerant Movement from Below: Grassroot Agency for Religious Moderation in Indonesian Socio-Political Contexts

The intolerance movement is a challenge amidst the diversity of religions and ethnicities. Civil movements have a significant role in countering intolerance initiatives, and narratives, such as discrimination against minorities, church building permit, and prohibition of religious activities in public spaces. This article examines the role of civil actions in transforming the values of religious tolerance and moderation values in social movements by taking Persaudaraan Lintas Agama (Pelita) as a case study. Pelita is a grassroots agency in Semarang, Central Java, consolidating communities of different religions and ethnicities to dialogue, collaborate for inter-religious tolerance, and advocate for discriminated groups. This study explores the grassroots agency's role in managing societal differences and conflicts. Data is collected from the literature, interviews, observations, and written documents. This study reveals that grassroots movements are essential for building tolerance and guarding against terror threats, intimidation, and propaganda by attacking groups. The civic community promoted fraternity, volunteerism, and advocacy. Pelita promotes discriminated groups and has several strategies and values through dialogue, the development of co-existence activities, and advocacy. Their vision allows freedom to practice one's religion or belief openly in public. Pancasila principles, cultural values, and communal tolerance mobilize people and religious convictions to uphold tolerance.