The discourse of civic pluralism in managing religious diversity in Indonesia : the study at the Center for Religious and Cross-Cultural Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Abstract

The Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada (CRCS UGM), developed the idea of Civic Pluralism to manage religious diversity in Indonesia. At the intellectual level, CRCS created the curriculum, modules, and discourse that advocate for pluralism. While at the socio-political level, CRCS inculcated awareness and helps the government to develop policies and laws pertain to pluralism. Even though the idea of Civic Pluralism was originally intended to address issues outside the scope of theology and doctrine, however, it cannot be separated from the theological issues, such as the issue of indigenous religions, religious blasphemy, inter-religion marriage and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights. This study, therefore, explores and examines the extent to which the discourse of Civic Pluralism at CRCS is capable of managing diversity issues in Indonesia neutrally. In order to do this, the researcher explored the Center's objectives, vision and mission, orientations, and modes of operation. The study analysed selected issues advocated by CRCS by means of Civic Pluralism. This is a qualitative research and it adopts library research from printed and online materials. To analyse the data, the researcher adopts the descriptive, historical, and critical analysis methods. This research found that Civic Pluralism is another secular approach to diversity introduced in the Indonesian setup. However, some issues advocated by Civic Pluralism are deemed sensitive to religion since they are contradictory to religious values. This is understandable since CRCS is a secular-based tertiary institution, hence the insistence of human right instead of religion and its values. This also answers why the opinions from religious perspectives have been frequently disregarded. In addition, CRCS appears to challenge the Indonesian education system as well as the Indonesian law and constitution. It is evident from the constitution that Indonesia is a religious-based state and it is guaranteed by the Constitution 1945 and Pancasila. Nevertheless, CRCS has been frequently critical of it, which caused some issues among Muslims in Indonesia.