Community Support for Religious Education Strategies and the Formation of Religious Identity in Interfaith Families

Abstract

This study examines the role of community support in religious education strategies and the formation of religious identity within interfaith families in Wonosobo, Central Java, Indonesia. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the researcher conducted in-depth interviews with three interfaith families (Made: Hindu-Catholic-Muslim; Budi: Catholic-Muslim; Roso: Hindu-Muslim), their children, and religious figures (Aida, Muchlisun). The findings indicate that community support, manifested through gotong royong (mutual cooperation), shared values, and inclusive religious educational institutions, plays a critical role in facilitating religious education and religious identity formation. Community acceptance of symbolic rituals, non-discriminatory participation in socio-religious activities, and collaborative approaches between religious figures and families create an environment that fosters the development of children's religious identities. This study demonstrates how Paul Knitter’s theory of pluralism manifests in practice, where religious differences serve as a space for mutual learning rather than a barrier. It contributes to the understanding of how community dynamics can cultivate religious harmony in a pluralistic society, offering practical implications for religious education policy, community development, and interfaith dialogue. The study is highly relevant to the Southeast Asian context, where religious diversity coexists with strong community bonds.