Lasem “The City Of Tolerance”: A Role Model Of Harmonious Multicultural Life To Develop Tolerance In Indonesia

The current phenomenon of intolerant issues become an obstacles for the human beings’ relationship in Indonesia. We must notice that it has hurt the diversity. There are many events which express people’s egoism then result in intolerance. It seems really obvious to see the sepration of choice between “here and “there”, between “me” and “you”, all of which have marginalized the nature of diversity. The tendency of those intolerances must be seen as a serious problem. In addition, Indonesia has a strong foundation of tolerance through historical experience in acculturation and the nature of diversity. In a number of regions, diversity is supported by the atmosphere of tolerance between national elements that is clearly exposed, and that is a reality that diversity plays a role as natural interaction dynamics and attitude. One of the areas which can be a model is Lasem, Rembang, an area which is located in north coast of Central Java. With the condition of its diversity especially in religion, Lasem is able to maintain the diversity of life which prioritises pancasila values; therefore, it ends up with harmonious, safe, and peace life, and also can perform the values of cooperation and tolerance. This research aims to know how the diversity of life based on cultures values in multiculturalism society in Lasem, Rembang is, and what the model of harmony of multicultural in Lasem is. In this research was found that Lasem is the region which is able to manage the diversity to be a harmonious life. Lasem societies always prioritise ukhkuwah basyariah and ukhuwah wathoniyah to create the dynamic and harmonious life. Lasem is proper to be role model of diversity in Indonesia and to be baldatun thayyibatun warabbun ghafur based on the spirit of pancasila. Some strategies in developing the harmony in multiculturalism which can be taken from lasem are: (1) Strengthen the religious studies of every society, (2) Improving the role of community figures and leaders, (3) improving the role of government, (4) Developing the open minded and good relationship among societies, (5) improving the solidarity in facing external threats (6) Affiliating the residence without any insulation and grouping, (7) Improving the cooperation among multicultural elements of society in their everyday life, (8) Improving the acculturation among people.