The Controversy of the Use of Religious Education in the Curriculum in Increasing Tolerance in Indonesia

This research aims to explore the controversy over the use of religious education in the Indonesian curriculum and its impact on increasing interfaith tolerance among students. This study uses a qualitative approach with unit analysis in schools in Indonesia that implement religious education in their curriculum. The research design used is a case study with the main data sources obtained through in-depth interviews with teachers, principals, and students, as well as the analysis of religious education policy documents. Data collection techniques include interviews, observations, and analysis of religious education policy documents. The data were analysed using thematic analysis techniques to identify patterns related to the implementation of religious education and tolerance. The findings of the study show that although there are religious education policies that lead to tolerant learning, their implementation is still highly variable and influenced by more exclusive approaches in some areas. The contribution of this research is to provide insight into the importance of designing a religious education curriculum that is more inclusive and based on the values of tolerance, as well as strengthening the role of the community and parents in the teaching process to increase interfaith tolerance in Indonesia.