Religious Education for Peaceful Coexistence in Indonesia?

This paper argues that recent inter-religious conflict in Indonesia highlights a need for the education system to address problems of religious intolerance through religious education and the religious culture in schools. The position of religion vis-à-vis the state and education indicates that such action is appropriate in the Indonesian context. The paper analyses approaches to inter-faith education and education for religious tolerance globally, and addresses some of the issues that arise. It then turns to Indonesia, outlining the curricula for religion as a school subject and recent changes in the education system. The ethnographic section of the paper examines how three exceptional private faith schools – one Islamic and two Catholic – in Yogyakarta and West Sumatra offer new ways of teaching inter-religious tolerance. The paper demonstrates how religious education in schools can foster inter-religious tolerance and understanding.