Perceived as tolerant but intolerant? Evidence from various public elementary schools in Indonesia

Abstract

This study reveals unintentional intolerance in several elementary schools in Indonesia. It employed a qualitative approach by examining teachers and students. The research was conducted in five elementary schools in Yogyakarta, a province deemed the centre of Indonesian education, tourism, and culture. The data were collected through interviews, observations, and focus group discussions. All data were analysed descriptively from the perspective of tolerance (i.e. belief, public speech, action), to reveal the extent to which tolerance is internalised at the schools. Then, qualitative descriptive data were presented. The study concluded with three points. First, teachers embraced and practised the concept of tolerance in society as it stems from Javanese culture; however, they did not succeed in optimally transforming it at their schools. Second, on some occasions, school representatives unwittingly limited the rights of minority students and undermined the practice of tolerance education due to the effectiveness and efficiency considerations. Third, a deeper understanding of tolerance needs to be strengthened among teachers and school leaders to address the problem. Meaningful communication between teachers and parents also needs to be enhanced. This paper can be considered a study of other multicultural countries facing a similar situation.