HALO JEPARA- Christmas 2024 is the right moment to reflect on the values of religious freedom in Indonesia.
In this context, the villages of Blingoh, Bondo, Tempur, Dorang, and Plajan are a series of villages in Jepara that offer an interesting picture of how diverse religions can coexist.
A number of villages are inhabited by interfaith communities including Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism who maintain daily social interactions in harmony.
In Blingoh Village, daily life reflects the real practice of tolerance. When Christmas arrives, Muslims and Buddhists help prepare church celebrations, showing solidarity and respect between religious communities. This harmony is not only limited to moments of celebration, but is also seen in mutual cooperation activities to build villages.
Blingoh is a clear example of how religious freedom is the basis of healthy social relations. The closeness of inter-religious social relations is very visible in earth alms activities in village cemeteries, where the practice of soteriology is visible in inter-religious prayers.
Meanwhile, Plajan Village adds an important dimension to this reflection. Plajan has a long tradition of interfaith dialogue supported by community leaders. This village is known as a place where religious differences are not a source of division, but rather a force to strengthen togetherness.
With local programs such as interfaith meetings and cooperation in social activities, Plajan has shown that religious moderation can go hand in hand with dynamic village life.
Plajan has also been named by the Jepara Regency Ministry of Religion as the first religious moderation village in Jepara. This village in Pakis Aji District is inhabited by Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Catholics and Buddhists.
Harmonious diversity is certainly not without challenges. The penetration of extreme ideologies, the politicization of religion, and a lack of deep understanding of the value of religious freedom are still threats in many places, including Jepara.
The villages of Blingoh and Plajan face the need to continue to strengthen tolerance education, especially for the younger generation, so that the values of togetherness that have been built are not eroded by destructive external influences.
Reflections on Christmas 2024 remind us that religious freedom is a fundamental right that must be safeguarded seriously. The villages of Blingoh and Plajan provide an important lesson that harmonious diversity does not only require regulations, but also dedication from the community to understand and respect each other.
Jepara, as a district rich in cultural heritage and religious diversity, has great potential to become a national model in managing religious freedom.
Interfaith harmony does not just exist, these conditions need to be built through dialogue, mutual cooperation and respect for local traditions that promote inclusiveness. Villages such as Blingoh and Plajan hold great potential as living laboratories for implementing religious freedom policies.
One of the main challenges is the lack of education and understanding of religious moderation at the grassroots community level. Therefore, the government and civil society organizations need to initiate community-based education programs that instill the values of tolerance and respect for differences.
Local wisdom, such as traditions of deliberation and mutual cooperation, can be used as a tool to strengthen interfaith dialogue and overcome potential conflicts.
Apart from that, the development of social infrastructure that supports religious life must be a priority. Providing prayer spaces that are inclusive and accessible to all religious groups, without bureaucratic or social barriers, are concrete steps that can be taken.
Village governments can also play an active role in identifying potential social frictions and resolving them through a dialogue approach that involves all parties. This strategy also requires strengthening local institutions, such as the religious harmony forum (FKUB), which functions as a communication bridge between religious groups.
FKUB at the village level can be empowered to identify local challenges and provide context-based solutions. Collaboration with religious leaders, youth and traditional leaders will ensure that this approach is well received by local communities.
Reflections on the implementation of village-based strategies and local wisdom show that big changes start from small steps at the community level.
By focusing on education, dialogue and strengthening local institutions, Indonesia can achieve a higher religious freedom index while maintaining the harmony that is its hallmark.
Challenges in religious life will always exist, but with close cooperation and commitment to the values of moderation, we can make diversity a force that unites the nation.
*Dr. Muh Khamdan, National Instructor of Religious Moderation
