Embracing Diversity Through the Values of Multicultural Education in “Masjid Menara Kudus” (Menara Kudus Mosque)

Abstract

--"Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" is the official national motto of Indonesia, which means unity in diversity reflecting how the Indonesian people uphold the principle of tolerance. However, nowadays, the issue of intolerance is raised in the midst of Indonesian society. The facts are mainly triggered by political interests and due to the decline of multicultural awareness. This issue clearly contradicts to the diversity of Indonesian society which is multi-ethnic and multi-culture. If it is not managed properly, it consequently increases the potential to break the unity and integrity of the nation. Therefore, building the cultural awareness through the values of multicultural education plays a crucial role as an effort to encounter this problem. This study aims to analyze the values of multicultural education reflected in "Masjid Menara Kudus” and to examine how it plays a role in maintaining the unity of the nation. This research was carried out with a qualitative method approach. Research data were collected by observation, interview, and documentation techniques. Validation of data is done by data triangulation techniques. Data analysis was performed with interpretive descriptive techniques through the process of reduction, presentation, and verification. The findings indicated that the parts of "Masjid Menara Kudus" are the result of acculturation between Hindu-Buddhist, Muslim-Arabic, Chinese, and Javanese cultures. Moreover, cultural acculturation at the "Masjid Menara Kudus" which reflects the values of multicultural education can be a solution as an effort to increase awareness of diversity for the community, especially in the northern coastal areas of Java.