Multicultural Education in Islamic Boarding Schools: Implementing Islamic Values in Addressing Social Diversity in Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia, as a highly diverse country socially, faces challenges in building a harmonious and inclusive life. Multicultural education becomes a strategic approach to instill attitudes of tolerance and appreciation for differences. Pesantren, as a traditional Islamic educational institution, has great potential in implementing multicultural education based on Islamic values. This article examines how pesantren internalize Islamic values such as rahmatan lil ‘alamin, justice, compassion, and brotherhood in facing social diversity in Indonesia. The research method uses a literature review with descriptive analysis. The study results show that the pesantren integrates multicultural education thru an inclusive curriculum, dialogical teaching methods, a social life that supports interaction among students, and the role of teachers as moral exemplars. However, challenges such as limited resources and resistance to curriculum changes still need to be addressed. Multicultural education in pesantren plays an important role in shaping a generation that is tolerant and capable of living peacefully in a pluralistic society.