Harmony in Diversity: A Study of Moderation Practices in the Religious Communities of Tulung Agung and Mataram Villages, Lampung

This study examines the practice of religious moderation in pluralistic rural communities, focusing on Desa Tulung Agung and Desa Mataram, Pringsewu Regency, Lampung. Both villages are characterized by long-standing religious diversity, where different religious groups coexist harmoniously without significant conflict. Employing a qualitative approach with a case study design, this research explores how religious moderation is understood, practiced, and sustained in everyday social life. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and documentation involving religious leaders, village officials, community organizations, and residents from diverse religious backgrounds. The findings reveal that religious harmony in both villages is rooted in strong theological values across religions, local wisdom, national commitment, and a culture of mutual respect and cooperation. Practices of moderation are manifested through interreligious cooperation in social and religious activities, shared participation in communal events, mutual support during religious celebrations, and tolerance within both interfaith and intrafamily contexts. The study also finds that religious moderation is reinforced by family education, community engagement, and inclusive village governance. This research contributes to the discourse on religious moderation by presenting an empirical model of sustainable interreligious harmony, rooted in inclusivism, the acceptance of differences, and mutual respect. This model is intended to serve as a model that can be used as a reference for other multicultural communities in Indonesia.