The Role of Multicultural Civic Education in Strengthening Social Harmony and National Identity Among Students in Diverse Communities

Abstract

Indonesia’s cultural, ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity requires civic education capable of strengthening national unity while respecting differences. This study examined the effects of multicultural civic education on social harmony and national identity and analyzed the mediating role of social harmony among students in diverse educational environments. A quantitative explanatory design was employed involving 250 respondents selected through purposive sampling based on their participation in civic education courses. Data were collected using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. The findings indicate that multicultural civic education significantly strengthens social harmony by developing tolerance, mutual respect, cooperation, inclusive interaction, and peaceful conflict resolution. Multicultural civic education and social harmony also contribute positively to students’ national identity. Furthermore, social harmony partially mediates the relationship between multicultural civic education and national identity, indicating that cultural appreciation becomes more meaningful when translated into harmonious social relationships. These findings imply that educational institutions should integrate multicultural dialogue, national values, digital citizenship, contextual learning, and collaborative cross-cultural activities into civic education to promote inclusive citizenship, social cohesion, and commitment to national unity.