INTEGRATING BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES TO MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF MERBABU MOUNTAIN SLOPES OF INDONESIA

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Indonesia is a multicultural country that needs multicultural education to foster tolerance and mutual respect in its diverse society. This study examined how Buddhist principles influenced how people in Thekelan Hamlet promoted multicultural education, emphasizing the role of mountainous communities in fostering social harmony. This research was conducted in the Sub-village of Thekelan, the Village of Batur, Getasan Sub-district, Semarang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. This research aimed to delve into the practice of multicultural education among the people of Thekelan, where the majority were Buddhists. By exploring their perspectives on religious collaboration activities, this study examined the significant influence of the Buddha's teachings in establishing multicultural education.

Methodology: This study adopted qualitative research methodology with a case study approach. The data were collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and focus group discussions (FGD). The observation was conducted in Thekelan, where the activities, culture, and traditions of the rural communities of Merbabu Mountain were observed. Interviews were conducted by selecting key informants from different social and religious backgrounds. The focus group discussion involved key community stakeholders. Finally, the information gathered from observation, interviews, documentation, and focus group discussions was examined and analyzed to determine the influence of Buddhist principles on the people living in Thekelan in promoting multicultural education.

Main Results: The study showed that the Buddha's teachings on respecting other religions, as mentioned in the Upali Sutta and Asoka Inscription, respecting ancestral traditions, as found in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, and the Buddhist pragmatic concept of truth, as shown in the Simsappa Sutta, influenced the people of Thekelan in promoting multicultural education.
This study found that: 1) Awareness and belief in ancestral heritage and universal goodness were manifested in cooperative activities such as Merti Dusun (Hamlet Cleaning), Sedekah Bumi/Saparan (Earth Offering), respect for other religions and their religious holidays, and traditional artistic activities; 2) Strengthening the role of religious and community leaders was critical since they served as role models for the community; 3) Mutual agreement to uphold traditions and culture fostered mutual respect and cooperation within the community; 4) Equality in the universal values of multicultural education included three aspects: Deliberation, religious activities, and communal activities;
and 5) Creative and innovative approaches to national celebrations such as the Indonesian Independence Day ceremony on August 17th, Kartini Day (Indonesian Woman Emancipation Day) on April 21st, and cultural carnivals served as important tools for promoting a harmonious society.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: This research included Applied Buddhism, which emphasized how a Buddhist community applied the development of wisdom and morality in accordance with the demands of the time. To realize multicultural education, supportive elements such as principles of tolerance, empathy, awareness development, wisdom development, and social competence development were needed. Therefore, the Buddha's teachings on the importance of practicing and developing khanti, mettā, karuṇā, sati sampajañña, and paññā became highly relevant. Multicultural education was successfully achieved through the practice of patience or tolerance, boundless loving-kindness, compassion, mindful living, and wisdom development. These principles had been well-practiced by the Buddhist community of Thekelan.

Conclusions: Multicultural education plays a significant role in promoting a peaceful and harmonious society. The traditions maintained by people living in Thekelan Village served as a good example of multicultural education and the importance of maintaining a peaceful and harmonious life in diversity.